Tailored second-line therapy in asthmatic children with the Arg¹⁶ genotype

The Arg¹⁶ β₂ receptor genotype confers increased susceptibility to exacerbations in asthmatic children taking regular LABA (long-acting β₂ agonists). We therefore evaluated using montelukast as an alternative to salmeterol as tailored second-line asthma controller therapy in children expressing this susceptible genotype. A total of 62 persistent asthmatic children with the homozygous Arg¹⁶ genotype were randomized to receive salmeterol (50 μg, b.i.d.) or montelukast (5 or 10 mg, once daily) as an add-on to inhaled fluticasone for 1 year. School absences (the primary outcome) were reduced with montelukast compared with salmeterol {difference in score=−0.40 [95% CI (confidence interval), −0.22 to −0.58]; P=0.005}. Salbutamol use was also reduced with montelukast compared with salmeterol [difference in score=−0.47 (95% CI, −0.16 to −0.79); P<0.0001]. Greater improvements occurred in both symptom and quality of life scores with montelukast against salmeterol, whereas there was no difference in FEV₁ (forced expiratory volume in 1 s). In conclusion, montelukast may be suitable as tailored second-line controller therapy instead of salmeterol in asthmatic children expressing the susceptible Arg¹⁶ genotype, a move towards a personalized medicine approach to management.