The use of antileukotrienes in paediatrics.

Allergic diseases include a variety of different illnesses (rhinitis, conjunctivitis, asthma, urticaria, dermatitis) whose physiological and pathological basis is the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, PAF (platelet activating factor), metabolites of arachidonic acid and chemotactic factors from mastocytes, basophils and eosinophils. The numerous drugs used for allergy treatment now include the new pharmacological category of cysteinyl leukotriene antagonists. The cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4) are chemical mediators of the inflammation involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, the biological effects of which are bronchial constriction and an increase in both mucus secretion and vascular permeability. Recent studies carried out above all on adult patients suggest that antileukotrienes can play an important part not only in the acute phase but also in controlling the chronic development of bronchial asthma. Antileukotrienes have also been successfully used by some authors to control atopic dermatitis and urticaria. Though further controlled testing will be required, these applications broaden the possible range of treatments for allergic disease in all its many aspects.