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To the Editor: In her article, Dr Wenzel¹ states that evidence suggests that antileukotriene agents in combination with inhaled beclomethasone or budesonide are likely to improve lung function and asthma symptoms more than high-dose inhaled corticosteroid therapy alone.¹ However, the first conclusion is based on data taken from an abstract² and a package insert from Merck,³ while the second conclusion relies on data from another abstract.⁴

While it is hoped that the data Wenzel relies on for her conclusions and subsequent recommendations regarding use of these expensive drugs are sound, would it have been more prudent to wait until after these data are published following full peer review to ensure that they are valid? Given the high cost of these agents and the paucity of long-term efficacy and safety data in large populations of patients with asthma, I believe that even more caution should be exercised before making treatment recommendations . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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Antileukotriene Drugs in the Management of Asthma
Sally E. Wenzel
JAMA. 1998;280(24):2068-2069.
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