Does Montelukast Have an Effect on Posttonsillectomy Pain Control in Children?

Abstract

Objectives: Investigate the efficacy of preemptive montelukast, which is leukotreine receptor blocker for pediatric posttonsillectomy pain management. This is the first time montelucast has been used in posttonsillectomy pain control. Methods: A total of 60 children, aged 5 to 15 years, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class I-II, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy were enrolled in this double-blinded and controlled study from April of 2013 until January of 2014. The patients were randomized into 2 groups: Montelukast group (Group M, n:30) and control group (Group C, n:30). Group M received 5 mg oral montelukast tablet and Group C received placebo at 24:00 pm the night before surgery. The posttonsillectomy pain was evaluated with Wong-Baker Face Scale during the 24 hours after surgery. Postoperative complications were recorded. The data were analyzed using the Student t test. Data were presented as a mean + SD, and differences were considered significant at P < .05. Results: There were statistically significant differences between Wong-Baker Face Scale scores of the Group C and Group M ( P < .05). The first time, analgesic requirement was higher in group C than in group M ( P < .05).There was no significant difference in demographic parameters and postoperative complications ( P > .05 for both). Conclusions: Preemptive montelukast usage is more effective than the control group in posttonsillectomy pain relief.