Leukotriene modifiers to prevent aspirin-provoked respiratory reactions in asthmatics.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the use of leukotriene modifiers in preventing aspirin-provoked respiratory reactions in asthmatics.

DATA SOURCES: Clinical literature accessed through MEDLINE (1965-February 2001). Key search terms included aspirin, asthma, leukotriene, and treatment.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Aspirin-sensitive asthmatics experience a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from rhinitis to life-threatening bronchospasms, after the ingestion of aspirin or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The relationship between aspirin sensitivity, asthma, and nasal polyps was first reported in 1922. The exact mechanism of these reactions is not clearly understood. Four studies investigated the use of leukotriene modifiers to prevent aspirin-provoked respiratory reactions. The efficacy of these agents ranged from complete inhibition to no blockade.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who experience aspirin-sensitive asthma should be cautious when taking aspirin and NSAIDs, despite treatment with leukotriene inhibitors.