Randomized Trial of Montelucast versus Placebo in Persistent Cough of Pertussis

Abstract

ABSTRACT
Background: Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious disease mischievous
and responsible for drastic mortality and morbidity. Physical sequel of forceful coughing is
the most upsetting complication which may be everlasting for months.
Objectives: The goal of the study is to prove that Montelucast may help to settle
persistent coughing in pertussis.
Methods: A total number of 280 infants and children aged 3 months to 7 years were
studied. They fulfilled the criteria of whooping cough (clinical and laboratory), all were
treated as inpatient for pertussis with traditional medication, randomly allocated into two
equal treatment groups of 140 children for each. Montelucast (Singulair), 2 mg/day and 4
mg/day for those below and above 2 years age, respectively, had been added for the 1st
group whilst placebo for the 2nd group. Subsequently, revaluation after 2 and 4 weeks
regarding frequency and severity of coughing was done.
Results: After 2 weeks, out of 140 cases treated with Montelucast, 55(39.2%) took a turn
for the betterment, regarding cough (quiet and discontinue persistent cough), this was
significantly (P<0.0001) raised to 89(63.5%) after 4 weeks. While only 32(22.8%) obtained
this improvement in the 2nd group raised to 61(43.5%) after 4 weeks.
Conclusion; Montelucast has a valuable role in whooping cough therapy, by amelioration
of persistent cough. It is recommended to introduce Montelucast as an adjuvant therapy
for pertussis in infants and young children as it is advantageous and contributory in
lessening or forbiddance of persistent cough.
Keywords: Montelucast, whooping cough, Pertussis.