Leukotriene receptor antagonists in the treatment of bronchial asthma: Consensus agreement “Bronchial Asthma and LEukoTriene receptor antagonists (BALET)”

Abstract

Under the auspices of the Russian Association of Allergists and Clinical Immunologists and the Russian Pediatric Respiratory Society, an expert meeting on Leukotriene receptor antagonists in the treatment of bronchial asthma was held. Asthma is a common noncommunicable chronic disorder of the airways, characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, bronchial hyper-responsiveness, and underlying inflammation. The creation and widespread use of inhaled corticosteroids and other innovative classes of drugs for treating bronchial asthma have remarkably affected the ability to achieve control over the course of the disease. Regardless, in most European countries, more than half of patients with bronchial asthma have suboptimal disease control. Recently, a class of leukotriene receptor blockers that contribute to the suppression of chronic allergic inflammation in patients with asthma has been actively studied. The majority of studies confirmed the usefulness of montelukast as monotherapy and as an add-on therapy to inhaled corticosteroids in mild to moderate asthma across all age groups. However, experts noted that in practical medicine, healthcare providers continuously inquire about the effectiveness and safety of this class of medicines in patients with bronchial asthma. In this consensus document, the experts considered the importance of providing an answer to several topical questions regarding the use of antileukotriene therapy in clinical practice.