Fluticasone compared to montelukast in children with persistent asthma

Abstract

Ostrom et al report the results of a comparison study of fluticasone propionate as a dry powder inhalation compared to all montelukast tablets in 342 children 6-12 years of age with persistent asthma. Both therapies had good safety profiles. Fluticasone was significantly more effective than montelukast in improving pulmonary function, asthma symptoms, and reducing rescue bronchodilator usage. Parent and physician satisfaction ratings were both higher with fluticasone and the asthma-related treatment costs were lower. The results of this study may not be very surprising to practicing pediatric pulmonologists and allergists but there were relatively few such comparative studies in persistent asthma prior to this study.