2023-10-27 08:59:35
Title: Study Challenges the Efficacy of Montelukast in Treating RSV Patients with Bronchiolitis
Date: October 27, 2023
In a recent Facebook post, Prof. Dr. Yong Phuworawan from Chulalongkorn University’s Center of Specialization in Clinical Virology Department of Pediatrics raised doubts about the effectiveness of Montelukast in treating respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) patients with bronchiolitis. Dr. Phuworawan emphasized that scientific evidence does not support the widespread use of this medication.
This year, there has been a significant outbreak of RSV, particularly affecting young children under the age of 5, following the return to normal life after the COVID-19 pandemic. The outbreak started in June and is expected to last until the end of the year. It has been predominantly caused by the RSV A subtype ON1.
Notably, Thailand stands out as the only country where Montelukast, an anti-leukotriene drug, is widely used to treat RSV patients with bronchiolitis and is given long-term to prevent asthma symptoms in children.
In 2003, Bisgaard H and colleagues in Denmark conducted a study comparing Montelukast with a placebo in RSV patients with bronchiolitis. The study initially showed promising results in reducing symptoms and shortening hospital stays. However, criticisms were raised regarding the study’s methodology, with Bisgaard admitting that confounding factors might have influenced the outcome.
To address these concerns, Bisgaard conducted a larger and more controlled study published in 2008. This double-blind study compared Montelukast with a lobar treatment and found that Montelukast was not effective in treating RSV bronchiolitis symptoms.
Subsequent analyses of the data by other researchers, including systematic reviews and meta-analyses, including those published in the Cochrane Database, consistently reached the same conclusion: Montelukast cannot be considered an effective treatment for RSV with bronchiolitis.
Remarkably, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, Montelukast continues to be extensively used in Thailand to treat RSV patients, even though the drug is expensive and may entail potential side effects.
Experts highlight the importance of conducting long-term and continuous follow-up studies, which could conclusively establish that Montelukast provides no benefits for RSV patients. This finding would not only save money in treatment costs but also potentially prevent unnecessary side effects associated with the medication.
It is crucial for healthcare providers and patients to review the 2003 reference document regarding Montelukast’s efficacy critically. At the same time, numerous subsequent studies, conducted by the same research team and various others, have consistently debunked its effectiveness in treating RSV patients with bronchiolitis.]
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