OBJECTIVETo compare the effects of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and oral leukotriene modifier (LTM) montelukast on the prognosis of children with cough variant asthma (CVA), and to identify the related risk factors for the development of classic asthma in children with CVA.

METHODSEighty-four children with CVA (2 - 6 yrs) were randomized to receive inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate 200 microg/d through pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer with mask or oral montelukast 5 mg, once at bedtime for 6 months, then followed by 18 months observation period after the end of the study medication.

RESULTSThere was no significant difference in antitussive days between the two groups (ICS group: 14 +/- 9 days, LTM group: 13 +/- 9 days, Z = 1.12, P = 0.25). Wheezing developed in 7.1% of the children in ICS group during 24 months follow-up period, which was significantly lower than that in LTM group (33.3%, chi2 = 8.92, P = 0.003). The prevalence of eczema or allergic rhinitis was higher in children who developed wheezing than those who did not develop wheezing (eczema: 47.1% vs. 19.4%, chi(2) = 4.16, P = 0.042; allergic rhinitis: 58.8% vs. 31.3%, chi2 = 4.40, P = 0.036). Logistic regression analysis confirmed that eczema and allergic rhinitis were risk factors for wheezing development in children with CVA, the odds ratio was 7.668 and 3.855 respectively (P < 0.05 for all). But administration of ICS was negatively correlated with the development of wheezing by an odds ratio of 0.128 (P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONSChildren with CVA may progress to classic asthma; eczema and allergic rhinitis are two risk factors for wheezing development in children with CVA. Both ICS and LTM are effective antitussive treatment, but ICS may be more effective than LTM on preventing the progression of CVA to classic asthma.