montelukast and Rhinitis

This article describes the pathophysiology and management of postnasal drip (PND) with and without cough.. PND is a common complaint in primary care and ear-nose-throat offices, and is often, but not always, associated with chronic cough. Because it lacks objective testing and its symptoms can be vague and variable, PND has become a catch-all diagnosis for a variety of nasal and throat-related symptoms. Studies have shown that the traditional pathophysiology of PND related to sinonasal disease does not clearly lead to chronic cough and that the cough from PND may be related to an airway sensory hypersensitivity rather than actual irritation from inflamed nasal secretions.. The article summarizes the current recommendations on evaluation and management of PND as well as brings to discussion new therapies and hypothesis regarding its pathophysiology.

Topics: Acetates; Capsaicin; Chronic Disease; Cough; Cyclopropanes; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Mucus; Nasal Mucosa; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sensory System Agents; Sulfides; Viscosity

Rhinitis and other specific triggers or co-morbidities (tobacco exposure, excess weight, aspirin sensitivity or heredity factors) are frequently associated with uncontrolled asthma. Asthma associated with these exacerbating factors appears to be related to an increase in leukotriene-mediated inflammation.. We reviewed the role of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in the treatment of asthma associated with these factors by using the PubMed database to search the English and French biomedical literature for articles describing randomized-controlled trials, large observational studies and reviews (published up to May 2012, inclusive).. Montelukast, either alone or in combination with other drugs, is an effective treatment against rhinitis-associated asthma. Montelukast also offers therapeutic benefits against exercise-induced asthma or in cases of asthma linked to tobacco exposure, excess weight or aspirin hypersensitivity. Thus, for some patients, montelukast may constitute an alternative to the gold-standard treatment of inhaled corticosteroids. Polymorphisms in several genes encoding proteins of the leukotriene signaling pathway may contribute to the variability in response to montelukast.. In conclusion, we have shown that montelukast treatment could be of particular benefit to subgroups of patients with asthma associated with rhinitis, exercise, tobacco exposure, being overweight or aspirin hypersensitivity.

Topics: Acetates; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Comorbidity; Cyclopropanes; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sulfides

Topics: Acetates; Chronic Disease; Cyclopropanes; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Nasal Polyps; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Sulfides

Allergic rhinitis is a prevalent disease in developed nations, and its prevalence has been increasing throughout the world. Nasal congestion is the most common and bothersome symptoms of rhinitis. Congestion is associated with sleep-disordered breathing and is thought to be a key cause of sleep impairment in individuals with rhinitis. The end result is a decrease in quality of life and productivity and an increase in daytime sleepiness. Treatment with intranasal corticosteroids has been shown to reduce nasal congestion. Data on sleep-related end points from clinical trials of intranasal corticosteroids indicate that this reduction is associated with improved sleep, reduced daytime fatigue, and improved quality of life. Other therapies, such as montelukast, also have a positive influence on congestion and sleep. This review examines nasal congestion and the associated sleep impairment of allergic rhinitis patients. It explores the adverse effects of disturbed sleep on quality of life and how these conditions can be reduced by therapies that decrease congestion.

Topics: Acetates; Administration, Intranasal; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Cyclopropanes; Fatigue; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Nasal Obstruction; Quality of Life; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sleep; Sleep Apnea Syndromes; Sleep Stages; Sulfides

Twenty five years after the structure elucidation of slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis, antileukotrienes are established as a new therapeutic modality in asthma. The chapter reviews the biochemistry and pharmacology of leukotrienes and antileukotrienes with particular focus on the different usage of antileukotrienes for treatment of asthma and rhinitis in Europe and the US. Further research needs and new areas for leukotriene involvement in respiratory diseases are also discussed.

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Asthma; Clinical Trials as Topic; Cyclopropanes; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Leukotriene Antagonists; Leukotriene C4; Leukotriene D4; Leukotriene E4; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors; Membrane Proteins; Quinolines; Receptors, Leukotriene; Respiratory System; Rhinitis; Sulfides

There continues to be a great deal of interest in the anti-asthmatic role of antihistamines. Antihistamines have recently been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties that are more extensive than simply the blocking of histamine receptors. For example, new evidence suggests that the suppression of cell adhesion molecule expression occurs with these drugs. The anti-inflammatory and anti-asthmatic effects of antihistamines have been evaluated in patients with both allergic asthma and rhinitis, given the established association between allergic inflammation of the upper and lower airways, with evidence to suggest that antihistamines have clinically relevant anti-asthmatic properties. As well as conferring benefits in asthma symptom control and the measurement of lung function, studies assessing the effect of histamine receptor antagonists on bronchial hyperresponsiveness suggest that there is bronchoprotection during both methacholine and mannitol challenges. Recently, there has also been considerable interest in the effect of combining an antihistamine with a leukotriene receptor antagonist. This combination has an anti-asthmatic effect that is greater than that of either drug given alone and may be comparable to inhaled corticosteroid therapy.

Topics: Acetates; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Asthma; Bronchospirometry; Cetirizine; Cyclopropanes; Drug Therapy, Combination; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Humans; Loratadine; Mannitol; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sulfides; Terfenadine

Topics: Acetates; Asthma; Bronchi; Cyclopropanes; Humans; Hydroxyurea; Indoles; Leukotriene Antagonists; Leukotriene D4; Lipoxygenase Inhibitors; Membrane Proteins; Phenylcarbamates; Quinolines; Receptors, Leukotriene; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Sulfides; Sulfonamides; Tosyl Compounds

Eosinophils and mast cells are among the key cells in inflammatory diseases like chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and asthma. Leukotriene antagonists have proven to be effective in the treatment of asthma, but data about their efficacy in CRS are scarce, whereas data on montelukast as an add-on treatment to intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) in a postoperative setting are completely lacking.. Prospective, randomized, open-label trial.. In this trial with long-term follow-up, we evaluated the efficacy of montelukast as an add-on treatment to INCS in postoperative CRS with nasal polyp (CRSwNP) patients. CRSwNP patients (N = 72) undergoing endoscopic sinus surgery were randomized in two arms for the postoperative treatment. One group (N = 36) received INCS in monotherapy, whereas the other group (N = 36) received INCS in association with montelukast for 1 year. The efficacy of montelukast with INCS was evaluated by assessing both subjective (total five-symptom score [T5SS]) and objective (nasal polyp score [NPS], Lund-Mackay [LMK] score, and subjective olfactometry [Barcelona Smell Test 24]) outcome parameters and compared with the gold standard of INCS in monotherapy.. After 1 year of surgery, T5SS, NPS, and LMK score were significantly reduced in patients treated with either INCS or INCS plus montelukast, without significant differences between the two treatment arms. Improvement of smell loss by olfactometry was also observed with no differences between arms. Similar findings were observed at 3 and 6 months.. These results suggest that the addition of montelukast to INCS should not be recommended in the treatment of postoperative CRSwNP patients.. 1b Laryngoscope, 1743-1751, 2018.

Topics: Acetates; Administration, Intranasal; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Cyclopropanes; Drug Therapy, Combination; Endoscopy; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Polyps; Paranasal Sinuses; Postoperative Period; Prospective Studies; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Sulfides; Treatment Outcome

Cysteinyl leukotriene (LT) has been proposed in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). This study sought to examine the expression of the LT receptor (LTR) in CRSwNP patients and evaluate the potential role of LTR antagonist (LTRA) in the management of eosinophilic CRSwNP (ECRS) patients.. Nasal polyps and uncinate process tissues were collected from 18 ECRS patients, 13 non-eosinophilic CRSwNP (non-ECRS) patients, and 16 control subjects. The messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of LTR (cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 [CysLT1R] and cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 2 [CysLT2R]) was examined using quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis. Moreover, the effects of LTRA and steroids on total nasal symptom scores (TNSS) of uncontrolled ECRS patients were evaluated.. The mRNA and protein expression of CysLT1R and CysLT2R was significantly increased in polyp tissues compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Compared with the non-ECRS subset, the ECRS subset showed significantly increased expression of CysLT1R and CysLT2R, as well as leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and leukotriene D4 (LTC4) levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, combined LTRA and steroids significantly decreased TNSS more than steroids alone in uncontrolled ECRS patients (p < 0.01).. Our findings indicate that LTR was differentially expressed between ECRS and non-ECRS patients, and that LTRA may be used as an additional therapy for ECRS patients.

Topics: Acetates; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biomarkers; Blotting, Western; Budesonide; Case-Control Studies; Chronic Disease; Cyclopropanes; Drug Therapy, Combination; Eosinophils; Female; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Leukotrienes; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Polyps; Prospective Studies; Quinolines; Receptors, Leukotriene; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Sulfides; Treatment Outcome

Allergic rhinitis is a common airways hypersensitivity disease. Histamine and leukotrienes are involved in the pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis. Conventional treatments include topical steroids and antihistamines. Due to the adverse effects of these treatments, new drugs like leukotriene receptor antagonists are being investigated for the treatment of allergic rhinitis. A total of 90 patients suffering from allergic rhinitis were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, controlled study. Patients were divided randomly into three groups of 30 patients each. Group I was administered fluticasone nasal spray (200 μg in each nostril) once a day, Group II was administered fluticasone nasal spray (200 μg in each nostril) plus cetrizine (10 mg) orally once a day and Group III was administered fluticasone nasal spray (200 μg in each nostril) plus montelukast (10 mg) orally once a day. Efficacy was measured based on daytime and nighttime symptom scores. Safety was evaluated on the basis of psychomotor tests, laboratory investigations and subjective assessment. The present study showed that montelukast add-on therapy is as efficacious as conventional therapies in controlling total symptom score, but it is more efficacious in controlling nighttime symptoms. Furthermore, montelukast add-on therapy does not cause psychomotor impairment as observed with cetrizine.

Topics: Acetates; Administration, Intranasal; Administration, Oral; Adult; Androstadienes; Anti-Allergic Agents; Cetirizine; Cyclopropanes; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fluticasone; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Nasal Sprays; Prospective Studies; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sulfides

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of leucotrien- antagonists in aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA). The severity of asthma was evaluated according to GINA guidelines. On each consultation, the patients filled-in a simplified self-assessment questionnaire on rhinitis and quality of life (QOL).. Montelukast was administered during the inclusion visit. Patients' general state of health was assessed, FEV1 and MMEF25-75 were measured and the QOL and rhinitis scores and therapeutic impact were analysed at 3 and 6 months.. Sixteen patients were included. FEV1 was initially recorded at 62% +/- 23 of theoretical values and then improved to 73% +/- 26.8 (p<0.002), and 77.2% +/- 17. Initial rhinitis score was 13 +/- 3.7 then 9 +/-5 (p<0.006) and 5.7 +/- 3.5 (p<0.03). Oral corticosteroids were required in 12 patients (8.5 +/- 5.6 mg). This dose was tapered to 3.4 +/- 6.4 mg (p<0.04) and 2.1 +/- 4.4 mg and stopped in 8 patients. The initial QOL score was of 4.36 +/- 1.4 and improved to 5.87 +/- 1.06 (p<0.002), and to 5.90 +/- 1.12.. Aspirin-induced asthma is a challenging issue. Rhinitis is a major feature of discomfort. Following montelukast administration, we noted an improvement in the QOL and rhinitis subjective parameters, and an objective improvement in spirometrical measurements and in the doses of oral corticosteroids.. Early recognition of these asthmatic patients is required in order to optimise their management. Administration of montelukast could be envisaged as unofficial first-line therapy in these patients combined with the recommended treatments.

Topics: Acetates; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Aspirin; Asthma; Bleeding Time; Cyclopropanes; Female; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Quality of Life; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Severity of Illness Index; Spirometry; Sulfides; Surveys and Questionnaires

Allergic rhinitis requires active intervention for symptom relief. A combination of antileukotriene and antihistamine drugs has been suggested to provide additive treatment benefits for patients with allergic rhinitis.. We evaluated how such a combination treatment would affect symptoms and local mucosal eosinophilia in comparison with a nasal glucocorticoid.. In a double-blind, randomized study 62 patients with grass pollen-induced allergic rhinitis received a nasal glucocorticoid (fluticasone propionate aqueous nasal spray [FPANS], 200 microg/d), an antileukotriene (montelukast, 10 mg/d), a combination of montelukast with an antihistamine (loratadine, 10 mg/d), or placebo throughout the season. Cromoglycate eyedrops and a limited amount of loratadine were allowed as rescue medication for severe symptoms. Patients recorded their symptoms for nasal blockage, itching, rhinorrhea, and sneezing. Before and during the season, nasal biopsy specimens were obtained from patients for evaluation of local eosinophilic inflammation.. During the peak season, both FPANS and combined montelukast-loratadine were significantly more effective than placebo and montelukast alone for daytime symptom prevention. For nighttime symptoms, FPANS was significantly more effective compared with all other treatments, whereas combined montelukast-loratadine and montelukast alone did not provide significant symptom prevention compared with placebo. The pollen-induced increase in the numbers of epithelial eosinophils was significantly lower for FPANS-treated patients compared with that seen in all other treatment groups.. In patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis, intranasal glucocorticoids are more effective than an antileukotriene drug or combined antileukotriene-antihistamine for the reduction of pollen-induced nasal eosinophilic inflammation and for control of nasal symptoms.

Topics: Acetates; Administration, Intranasal; Adult; Androstadienes; Circadian Rhythm; Cyclopropanes; Double-Blind Method; Eosinophils; Female; Fluticasone; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Humans; Loratadine; Male; Middle Aged; Nasal Mucosa; Pollen; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal; Sulfides

The aim of our study was to analyze the montelukast effectiveness in improving oculonasal symptoms, patient-reported outcomes (PROs), and eosinophilic biomarkers in patients with nonallergic rhinitis eosinophilic syndrome (NARES).. We enrolled prospectively 80 symptomatic patients treated with 10 mg once a day of montelukast in monotherapy for 2 months. All patients were investigated before and after treatment. Nasal symptoms (nasal obstruction, rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal itching), ocular symptoms (redness/puffiness, watery eyes), and other PROs (olfactory dysfunction, difficulty going to sleep, nighttime awakenings, and nasal congestion on awakening) were scored by visual analogic scale. The following clinical scores were assessed: Total Nasal Symptom Score (T4NSS), Total Ocular Symptom Score (T2OSS), Total Symptom Score of Patient-Reported Outcomes (TSS-PROs), and a Composite Symptoms Score (CSS). Patients were classified as responders when a reduction of at least 50% of the CSS was observed. Before and after treatment, the eosinophilic biomarkers in nasal lavage were analyzed: nasal eosinophilia (number of eosinophils per high power field), eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2.. After treatment, significant reductions were observed for all the symptom scores. Forty-two of 78 patients were considered responders. A significant reduction of eosinophils in nasal mucosa and of levels of eotaxin-1 and eotaxin-2 in nasal lavage were observed after treatment in responder patients. Patients with asthma had an increased probability to be responders.. NARES patients may benefit from treatment with montelukast. In particular, the presence of concomitant asthma may be predictive of a greater efficacy.. 2 Laryngoscope, 129:551-557, 2019.

Topics: Acetates; Adult; Asthma; Biomarkers; Cyclopropanes; Eosinophilia; Eye Diseases; Female; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Nose Diseases; Prospective Studies; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sulfides; Syndrome

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cefazolin; Cyclopropanes; Cytokines; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Nasal Septum; Quinolines; Rats; Rats, Wistar; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Staphylococcal Infections; Staphylococcus aureus; Sulfides; Treatment Outcome; Turbinates

Montelukast is used in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and asthma. It has been used as adjuvant therapy in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), but its effectiveness has not been evaluated. This study evaluates the efficacy of adjuvant leukotriene receptor antagonism in CRS and subtypes.. Retrospective review of collected data at a tertiary-referral institution. We identified all patients who were prescribed montelukast postoperatively and had a lapse in therapy for at least 1 month (n = 50), so that the patients themselves serve as their own control group. Twenty-item Sino-Nasal Outcomes Test (SNOT-20) scores and Lund-Kennedy endoscopy scores were obtained for each patient. Scores were compared with and without montelukast using Wilcoxon signed rank test. The analysis was controlled for changes in other medications.. Fifty-two therapy lapses were identified in 50 patients. Twenty-seven patients had eosinophilic CRS with polyps (eCRSwNP), 8 had Samter's triad (ST), and 15 had allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). Overall mean follow-up was 46.5 months. Overall, SNOT-20 scores and endoscopy scores were significantly lower with montelukast (p < 0.005 for both). On subgroup analysis, SNOT-20 scores were significantly improved for patients with eCRSwNP and AFS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). Endoscopy scores were significantly improved for patients with eCRSwNP (p = 0.044). Outcomes approached, but did not reach, significance for patients with ST (p = 0.123 for SNOT-20 and p = 0.146 for endoscopy). There was also significant improvements in patients with asthma.. The addition of montelukast as postoperative therapy may be beneficial for patients with eCRSwNP and AFS.

Topics: Acetates; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Asthma; Chronic Disease; Cyclopropanes; Eosinophils; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Quinolines; Retrospective Studies; Rhinitis; Rhinoplasty; Sinusitis; Sulfides; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Histamine and cysteinyl leukotrienes are pivotal mast cell mediators which contribute considerably and likely complementary to the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Currently, we sought to explore the direct actions of histamine and leukotriene D(4) (LTD(4)), a cysteinyl leukotriene, on porcine nasal arteries and veins. We also studied combined blocks of histamine and cysteinyl leukotrienes using loratadine and montelukast in an in vivo model of allergy-mediated nasal inflammation.. For the evaluation of the action of histamine and LTD(4) on arteries and veins, porcine nasal mucosa was isolated and cut into slices (100-300 microm thick). Real-time images of the nasal arteries and veins were recorded and vessel activities estimated by changes in cross-sectional area before and after the tested drugs. For the in vivo studies, the effect of loratadine and montelukast given alone and in combination was examined on upper airway inflammation in ovalbumin-sensitized and -challenged Brown Norway rats.. Both histamine (0.001-10 micromol/l) and LTD(4) (0.001-10 micromol/l) produced a concentration-dependent increase in the lumen area of nasal mucosa arteries and veins. Histamine (0.01 micromol/l) alone produced a 24 and 12% increase in cross-sectional areas of arteries and veins, respectively. LTD(4) (0.001 micromol/l) alone increased artery and vein dilation by about 17 and 9%, respectively. Combination treatment with histamine (0.01 micromol/l) and LTD(4) (0.001 micromol/l) increased vessel dilation by 65% (arteries) and 26% (veins). In our in vivo Brown Norway rat studies, oral loratadine (0.01-10 mg/kg) and montelukast (0.01-10 mg/kg) significantly reduced antigen-induced total nasal inflammatory cell infiltration in a dose-dependent manner. The antiinflammatory dose-response curve of loratadine was shifted to the left when studied in combination with montelukast (0.01 mg/kg). Similarly, the dose-response characteristics of montelukast (0.01-10 mg/kg) was shifted in the presence of loratadine (0.01 mg/kg).. Our studies support the position that histamine and cysteinyl leukotrienes may act collaboratively to elicit allergic nasal pathologies such as upper airway inflammation and nasal vessel dilation (which may translate into increased nasal mucosal engorgement). Furthermore, the current results are supportive of the hypothesis that combined treatment of allergic rhinitis with an H(1) receptor antagonist and a CysLT(1) receptor antagonist may have greater benefit than sole treatment with these agents alone.

Topics: Acetates; Animals; Cyclopropanes; Cysteine; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Histamine; Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; Hypersensitivity; In Vitro Techniques; Leukotriene Antagonists; Leukotriene D4; Leukotrienes; Loratadine; Male; Nasal Mucosa; Neutrophil Infiltration; Quinolines; Rats; Rats, Inbred BN; Rhinitis; Sulfides; Sus scrofa

Since allergic rhinitis in asthma patients is associated with worse asthma control, the treatment of the comorbid condition may improve outcomes.. A 1-year retrospective study using the UK Mediplus database (2001-2004) included asthmatic patients aged 15-55 with allergic rhinitis. Patients starting therapy based on the Global Initiative for Asthma guidelines, defined as an increase in inhaled corticosteroids (high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, hdICS), or the addition of montelukast (ICS+MON) or long-acting beta-agonists (ICS+LABA) to ICS, were studied. Univariable and multiple logistic regressions evaluated asthma-related outcomes.. Among 2,596 asthma and allergic rhinitis patients, 83.2% initiated ICS+LABA, 12.1% hdICS and 4.7% ICS+MON. The mean age was 34 years and 60% were female. ICS+MON patients had more moderate-severe asthma (p = 0.04). Approximately 84% of the ICS+LABA patients experienced an asthma control failure compared to 50% in the other groups (p < 0.0001). The proportions of patients requiring treatment change were 73.8, 22 and 27.3% in the ICS+LABA, hdICS and ICS+MON groups, respectively (p = 0.001). Asthma-related resource use was similar among all groups. The ICS+MON group received fewer mean prescriptions for oral corticosteroids (p = 0.024) than the other groups (p = 0.026).. In asthma and allergic rhinitis, treatment with ICS+MON or hdICS was associated with lower rates of asthma control failure and fewer treatment changes than the ICS+LABA group. MON users also required fewer oral corticosteroids.

Topics: Acetates; Adolescent; Adrenergic beta-Agonists; Adult; Androstadienes; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Beclomethasone; Budesonide; Cohort Studies; Comorbidity; Cyclopropanes; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Fluticasone; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sulfides; Treatment Outcome; United Kingdom

Topics: Acetates; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Aged; Albuterol; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; Arthritis; Asthma; Cyclopropanes; Depression; Drug Hypersensitivity; Drug Therapy, Combination; Epinephrine; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Hypertension; Methylprednisolone; Omalizumab; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Salmeterol Xinafoate; Seizures; Sulfides; Syncope

Due to common features of asthma and allergic rhinitis, a single therapeutic approach to treating both of these conditions has been proposed.. To compare and contrast the use of rhinitis medications in a group of children initiating various controller therapies for asthma.. A retrospective, observational study using an integrated managed care database of children aged 4-17 years with an initial medical claim for asthma and an initial pharmacy claim for fluticasone propionate (FP) and salmeterol in a single inhaler (FSC), FP alone, montelukast (MON), or combination FP + MON. Outcomes included the percentage of children initiating controller asthma therapy with prescriptions for non-sedating antihistamine (NSA) and intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) and the mean number of prescriptions for NSA and INCS.. A total of 5247 children were included. The percentage of children who filled prescriptions for NSA or INCS and the mean number of prescriptions dispensed was similar among children treated with FSC, FP, MON, and FP + MON. There were no significant differences in the relative risk of dispensing either a NSA or INCS across cohorts. Observational studies are limited by their use of administrative data and lack of access to patient records.. Children started on common asthma controller therapy are frequent users of rhinitis medications. The quantity and frequency of these medications is not different between dispensed asthma regimens.

Topics: Acetates; Administration, Intranasal; Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Albuterol; Androstadienes; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Asthma; Bronchodilator Agents; Child; Child, Preschool; Cyclopropanes; Drug Combinations; Drug Prescriptions; Fluticasone; Fluticasone-Salmeterol Drug Combination; Histamine H1 Antagonists, Non-Sedating; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Leukotriene Antagonists; Quinolines; Retrospective Studies; Rhinitis; Sulfides

As observational studies in children initiating GINA-Step 3 therapies are scarce, we evaluated outcomes and costs in a primary care cohort. Two-yr retrospective cohort study included French children (age: 6-14) continuously followed in BKL-Thalès database who received > or =2 consecutive prescriptions for GINA-Step 3 therapy (=addition of montelukast or other controllers ('other'), such as increasing inhaled-corticosteroid dose (hICS), adding long-acting beta agonist (LABA), or ICS + LABA). After matching on gender and propensity score, medication use [rescue (short-acting beta agonists), acute (antibiotics (AB), oral corticosteroids (OCS)), allergy (antihistamines, nasal steroids) and other respiratory] was estimated via mean number of prescriptions and mean cost (per child/per month), and cost trends. During 12-month follow-up, children adding montelukast (n = 71) vs. 'other' (n = 213) had similar asthma rescue/acute and allergy medication use. Subgroup with asthma and allergic rhinitis (A + AR) adding montelukast used less OCS and AB (p = 0.014). Two-yr cost trends suggest stable asthma/allergy medication use in montelukast group (0.83 euro) compared with increase in 'other' (5.39 euro), which was driven by nasal steroid use [0.32 euro ('other') vs. -0.04 euro (montelukast), p = 0.0013]. In subgroup with A + AR decline in asthma/allergy medication use in montelukast group (-0.47 euro) vs. increase in 'other' (11.05 euro), p = 0.015, was driven by differences in AB and OCS (p = 0.04) and nasal steroid use (p = 0.001). Concomitant asthma/allergy medication use was similar in children adding montelukast or 'other' controllers (hICS, LABA, ICS + LABA), while children with allergic rhinitis on montelukast used less AB. Concomitant medication costs after addition of montelukast remained stable, while 'other' group experienced increase, especially in children with concomitant allergic rhinitis.

Topics: Acetates; Adolescent; Anti-Allergic Agents; Anti-Asthmatic Agents; Child; Cohort Studies; Cyclopropanes; Drug Costs; Drug Prescriptions; Female; Humans; Male; Quinolines; Retrospective Studies; Rhinitis; Steroids; Sulfides; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Acetates; Adult; Cyclopropanes; Female; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Leukotriene Antagonists; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Sulfides

Although there is evidence from randomised controlled trials that leukotriene receptor antagonists are efficacious in chronic rhinosinusitis there are still little data on their use in everyday real life clinical practice. We report on a pragmatic case series of 32 patients referred from primary care with uncontrolled chronic rhinosinusitis (allergic or non-allergic) who have been treated with montelukast in our joint medical/surgical rhinology clinic. Patients' symptoms were scored according to "facial pain", "headache", "nasal blockage", "nasal discharge", "sense of smell" and "daily activity", and measurements of peak inspiratory nasal flow were made, before and after the introduction of montelukast 10 mg/day. There were significant (p < 0.05) improvements in subjective scoring for headache, nasal discharge & blockage, sense of smell and daily activity but not for facial pain, when montelukast was added along with other alterations in chronic rhinosinusitis medication (all receiving intra-nasal corticosteroids). Subgroup analysis of 10 patients, were the addition of montelukast was the only change to medical therapy, showed significant (p < 0.05) improvements in headache, nasal discharge and blockage and their daily activity. There was no significant improvements in nasal peak inspiratory flow or spirometry. In conclusion, montelukast may be a useful therapeutic option in addition to standard therapy (i.e. intra-nasal corticosteroids or anti-histamines) when treating patients with chronic rhinosinusitis in a real life clinical setting.

Topics: Acetates; Chronic Disease; Cyclopropanes; Humans; Leukotriene Antagonists; Quinolines; Rhinitis; Sinusitis; Spirometry; Sulfides