Antileukotrienes (3): their place in the treatment of asthma

In this article, the authors review the recent studies on antileukotriene c ys LT1 receptor inhibitors, in the context of specific provocation tests an d in the maintenance treatment of chronic asthma. Antileukotrienes represen t an original class of anti-inflammatory drugs. On specific stimulation tes ts and exercise tests, they inhibit the fail in FEV1, both at the early pha se and at the delayed phase. Their efficacy in chronic asthma has been demo nstrated by numerous double-blind placebo-controlled studies, in adults or children with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma. They induce a reduction o f the symptom score, beta-2 mimetic consumption, and improvement of peak ex piratory flow rate and FEV1. Antileukotrienes therefore have a place in the prevention of exercise-induced asthma and in the maintenance treatment of mild-to-moderate persistent asthma in children and adults. Zn this indicati on, they must be coprescribed with inhaled steroids.