[Effect of montelukast on lung function and clinical symptoms in patients with cystic fibrosis]

Abstract

Inflammatory process contributes to progressive lung tissue damage in cystic fibrosis (CF). Cysteinyl leukotrienes have been found in the sputum of CF patients at concentrations sufficient to cause potent biological effect. This study was designed to assess the effect of anti-inflammatory treatment with montelukast sodium in CF patients. Twelve patients, aged 6-29 were recruited. It was 20 week, placebo-controlled, and randomized, double blind, crossover trial. At first and last week of each treatment course spirometry and whole body plethysmography parameters (FEV1, PEF, FEF25/75%, VC, TGV, Raw and RV) and clinical wheezing and cough scale were measured. In montelukast group significant improvement in FEV1 (mean +/- SD, 54.6 +/- 22.6 before and 62 +/- 19.0 after treatment, p=0.0112) and FEF25/75% (28.9 +/- 23.0 before and 37.5 +/- 25.5 after treatment, p=0.0053) were observed. Compared with placebo montelukast significantly improved FEV1 (p=0.0032), PEF (p=0.0298) and FEF25/75% (p=0.0091). There was no significant difference in VC, TGV, Raw and RV. Montelukast compared with placebo significantly decreased cough (p<0.0001) and wheezing (p=0.0002) score. In summary, therapy with montelukast may provide clinical benefit to patients with CF.