Eosinophilic esophagitis is characterized by dense infiltration of the esophageal epithelium with eosinophils, typically accompanied by
dysphagia. Effective
therapies include the use of topical and systemic
steroids as well as elimination diets. No previous reports have described the use of
montelukast in the management of pediatric
eosinophilic esophagitis. We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients with
eosinophilic esophagitis followed in our pediatric center between 2000 and 2009. Those treated with
montelukast were studied in detail. Study outcome was clinical response rate, defined by symptom (not histologic) improvement. Twenty-one patients with
eosinophilic esophagitis were identified. Eight patients were maintained on
montelukast (range 4-10 mg daily) after confirming the diagnosis of
eosinophilic esophagitis histologically and failing to respond to a trial of
proton pump inhibitor therapy. Three of eight patients had a clinical response (one had complete response and two with partial response) that could be attributed to
montelukast. Four other patients responded clinically, but other
therapies were concomitantly implemented. No side effects were reported with
montelukast treatment with a mean follow-up duration of 32 months. Five patients had remained on
montelukast therapy at the time of the final follow-up.
Montelukast has minimal risk of adverse reactions compared with
steroid therapy and may offer clinical relief in a small subset of children with
eosinophilic esophagitis. Histologic response could not be verified in this study. Prospective studies, using higher
montelukast doses, may potentially play a role and should be considered for future investigation.