Singulair eases sleep-disordered breathing in kids

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – In a study of children with
mild sleep-disordered breathing, a once-daily Singulair pill
led to significant reductions in both adenoid size and
respiratory-related sleep disturbance.

Singulair, known generically as montelukast, is usually
prescribed for treating asthma and can be given to kids as a
chewable tablet.

The new findings suggest that anti-inflammatory treatment
may be useful in children with sleep-disordered breathing that
is too mild to warrant removal of the tonsils and adenoids,
study investigators conclude in the American Journal of
Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.

Dr. Aviv D. Goldbart and colleagues from the University of
Louisville in Kentucky studied 24 children whose parents
described them as habitual snorers and who had occasional
episodes of blocked breathing when they slept.

A 16-week course of Singulair led to significant
improvements in upper airway patency and in the severity of
sleep-disordered breathing. These improvements were absent in
16 similar children who did not receive treatment.

Goldbart and colleagues note that controlled trials are
needed to corroborate these preliminary findings and “solidly
establish” anti-inflammatory strategies “as therapeutic
alternatives in children with sleep-disordered breathing too
mild to justify referral for adenotonsillectomy.”

SOURCE: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care
Medicine, August 1, 2005.