Some children might be 'unlucky' with asthma medications

Children and girls exposed to tobacco smoke could derive more benefit from one of the most widely prescribed medications for asthma and allergies, Montelukast.

The finding was revealed by researchers at National Jewish Medical and Research Center and appeared in an issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

From Sciencedaily.com:

Inhaled corticosteroids are considered the first-line treatment for cases of persistent asthma. However, steroids alone do not effectively control asthma in 30 percent to 40 percent of patients and they may have some side effects, especially in children. In those cases, a secondary medication is often used. Montelukast is one such medication.
Montelukast, one of the most widely prescribed medications for asthma and allergies, blocks the action of chemicals called leukotrienes, which contribute to inflammation. However, physicians have found that montelukast is quite variable in its effectiveness, helping some patients but not others. Dr. Rabinovitch and his colleagues set out to better understand its variable effectiveness.

Two biomarkers were discovered by Associate Professor of Pediatrics Nathan Rabinovitch, MD, and his colleagues that can prove helpful to physicians in accurately determining as to which all of their asthmatic patients can benefit from montelukast.