Place of leukotriene inhibitor therapy in the treatment of asthma in childhood

Leukotriene inhibitors are new pharmacological agents for the treatment of mild to moderate persistent asthma and exercise-induced asthma (EIA). Studi es concerning their use in children remain scarce. Available data in the tr eatment of persistent asthma in children suggest that they could be an alte rnative to long-acting beta(2)-agonists when asthma control cannot be obtai ned with inhaled steroids alone. Their main advantages are first that they are given orally once daily; second, that they do not induce tachyphylaxis to bronchoprotection against EIA, unlike long-acting beta(2)-agonists. Stud ies specifically conducted in children are necessary to best describe their place in pediatric asthma treatment. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et me dicales Elsevier SAS.