Objective: To determine whether montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, attenuates exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) in 6- to 14-year-old children with asthma.
Study design: Double-blind, multicenter, 2-period crossover study. Children (n = 27) with forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) > or =70% of the predicted value and a fall in FEV1 > or =20% after exercise on 2 occasions. Patients received montelukast (5-mg chewable tablet) or placebo once daily in the evening for 2 days in crossover fashion (at least 4 days between treatment periods). Standardized exercise challenges were performed 20 to 24 hours after the last dose in each period. End points included area above the postexercise percent fall in FEV1 versus time curve (AAC0-60 min), maximum percent fall in FEV1 from pre-exercise baseline, and time to recovery of FEV1 to within 5% of pre-exercise baseline.
Results: Montelukast significantly reduced AAC0-60 min (265 vs 590% x min for montelukast and placebo, respectively, P < or = .05; approximately 59% protection relative to placebo) and the maximum percent fall (18% vs 26% for montelukast and placebo, respectively, P < or = .05). Montelukast treatment resulted in a shorter time to recovery (18 vs 28 minutes for montelukast and placebo, respectively, P = .079).
Conclusions: Montelukast attenuates EIB at the end of the dosing interval in 6- to 14-year-old children with asthma.