The comparison of the effectiveness of leukotriene receptor antagonists and inhaled corticosteroids in children with asthma

Abstract

This study was conducted to compare the effectiveness of the leukotriene receptor antagonist and inhaled corticosteroid treatment in children diagnosed with asthma. Material and Methods: Sixty - two patients diagnosed with asthma in the age group of 6-14 years were included in the study. Patients were consecutively divided into 2 groups, and the first group was given 5 mg of montelukast before sleep and the second group received 400 mcg/day of inhaled corticosteroid budesonide in two doses. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Primary target were changes in the FEV1. Furthermore, daily short-acting β2 agonist use, night awakenings, admission to the emergency department, absenteeism at school were compared before and after the treatment. Results: Significant improvement was observed in both groups during postoperative period when compared to the pre-treatment period in terms of the mean FEV1, shortacting β2 agonist use, night awakenings, admission to the emergency department, and absenteeism at school p=0,001 . However, no statistical difference was determined between two groups.Conclusion: It was determined that montelukast therapy alone in children with asthma is an easy-to-administer and safe option, which is as effective as inhaled corticosteroids