[Antileukotrienes in the therapy of bronchial asthma].

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) are mediators released in bronchial asthma and are both direct bronchoconstriction and proinflammatory substances that mediated several steps in the pathophysiology of chronic asthma, including inflammatory cells recruitment, vascular leakage, and possibly airway remodelling. Available evidence from clinical trials and real-word experience derived from managing patients with asthma justifies a broader role for antileukotriene drugs (anti-LTs) in asthma management than that recommended in the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program and National Institute of Health treatment guidelines. Anti-LTs seem to be effective alternatives to inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) either as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy that reduces the need for higher doses of ICS in patients with mild-to-moderate persistent asthma.