Study baseline patient characteristics
| Montelukast | Placebo | |
| n | 37 | 36 |
| Age in years mean (SD) | 28.3 (8.5) | 30.3 (7.8) |
| Male:female, n | 15:22 | 16:20 |
| Severity of exacerbation, n (%) | ||
| Moderate | 4 (11%) | 9 (25%) |
| Severe | 18 (49%) | 11 (31%) |
| Life threatening | 14 (38%) | 16 (44%) |
| Near fatal | 1 (3%) | 0 |
| Received, n (%) | ||
| IV Theophylline | 6 (16%) | 3 (8%) |
| IV Magnesium | 1 (3%) | 1 (3%) |
| IV Magnesium and IV aminophylline | 2 (5%) | 0 |
| Total | 9 (24%) | 4 (11%) |
| Asthma history | ||
| Years, mean (SD), since diagnosis | 15.1 (9.7) | 18.5 (9.0) |
| Previous admission to intensive care | 8 (21%) | 2 (5%) |
| Exacerbations in last year, n (%) | ||
| 0 | 22 (59%) | 26 (72%) |
| 1 | 8 (22%) | 4 (11%) |
| 2–3 | 5 (14%) | 4 (11%) |
| >3 | 2 (5%) | 2 (6%) |
| Regular treatment at presentation | ||
| Inhaled corticosteroids (BDP/24 h or equivalent), n (%) | ||
| Prescribed but not being taking | 14 (38%) | 10 (28%) |
| Not prescribed | 4 (11%) | 6 (17%) |
| Patient unable to state dose | 5 (14%) | 3 (8%) |
| 0–400 μg | 5 (14%) | 6 (17%) |
| 400–800 μg | 1 (3%) | 2 (6%) |
| >800 μg | 8 (21%) | 9 (25%) |
| Long-acting β-agonists | 14 (36%) | 9 (23%) |
| Other asthma drugs (but not LTRAs) | 4 (11%) | 3 (8%) |
BDP, beclomethasone dipropionate; IV, intravenous; LTRA, leukotriene receptor antagonist.