title: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of montelukast in adult atopic eczema.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Montelukast is an antagonist of cys-leukotriene receptors used mainly in the treatment of asthma- and seasonal-allergic rhinitis. Initial reports concerning the use of montelukast in atopic dermatitis (AD) have been encouraging, although not consistent.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  We have undertaken a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial to investigate further the efficacy of montelukast in the treatment of atopic eczema.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following a screening visit, subjects received placebo treatment for 2 weeks in a single-blind phase, followed after visit 2 by an 8-week, double-blind period of treatment with montelukast 10 mg daily or placebo. Subjects were patients aged 16-60 years under our care for treatment of AD of moderate severity, defined by a six-area, six-sign atopic dermatitis (SASSAD) score in the range 12-50. Response to treatment was assessed by investigators and by subjects using a seven-point scale, with response defined as marked improvement or better. In addition, the SASSAD score was used to monitor the severity of clinical signs. The proportion of skin involved was estimated and visual analogue scales were used to record the severity of pruritus and sleep disturbance. Topical corticosteroid usage was recorded using a five-point scale. Adverse events were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Sixty subjects were recruited and 54 completed the study. The treatment groups were well matched for disease severity at baseline (SASSAD scores were 25 and 29 in the montelukast and placebo groups, respectively). There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in any of the parameters used to assess treatment response. The improvement in mean SASSAD score from baseline (visit 2) to the end of treatment was marginally superior in the placebo group, 1.41 points on montelukast vs. 1.76 on placebo, a difference of 0.35 (95% confidence interval -6.1 to 6.8). Adverse events were generally of a mild nature except for a brief septicaemic illness in one subject receiving montelukast.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The data do not support previous reports of efficacy of montelukast in treatment of AD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, Hampshire, UK.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Friedmann
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Palmer
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ogboli
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Barclay
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hotchkiss
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Berth-Jones
mesh_terms: D000085:Acetates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos; D011804:Quinolines / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013440:Sulfides; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000085:Acetates; D003521:Cyclopropanes; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D010919:Placebos; D011804:Quinolines; D013440:Sulfides; C093875:montelukast