Role of montelukast in multitrigger wheezers attending chest clinic in Punjab, India.

Abstract

Wheeze is seen in 40% of preschool children, one-third of these may develop recurrent wheeze. Montelukast is an oral, once a day, easy to give therapy but there is no definite evidence to support its use in a recent meta-analysis. Present study was done to evaluate role of daily montelukast and various factors affecting the outcome after therapy in multitrigger wheeze (MTW). A prospective study conducted in Pediatric chest clinic over 18 months at DMCH, Ludhiana. Children from 6 months to 5 years, diagnosed cases of MTW were started on montelukast. Diagnosis based on symptoms of recurrent wheeze triggered by various allergens/precipitants was made by pediatrician in charge of chest clinic. Children were followed up at 1 and 3 months. They were labeled as controlled, partially controlled, or uncontrolled as per global initiative for asthma guidelines. Data were used to compare the outcome related to various factors. Total 139 out of 150 children came for regular follow-up. At the end of 3 months, 94 (67.7%) were controlled, 8 (5.7%) partially controlled, and 37 (26.6%) children remained uncontrolled on montelukast. Factors associated with poor control were onset of symptoms at younger age (<6 months of age), family history of allergies, prior multiple visits or hospitalizations due to MTW, use of MDI in the past. No significant side effects were reported by parents. Symptomatically two-third of children became better after starting montelukast. There were few factors which resulted in poorer control in subset of patients.