Journal of Cystic Fibrosis
Volume 2, Issue 1 , Pages 25-28, March 2003

A pilot study of zafirlukast as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of adults with cystic fibrosis

  • S.P. Conway

      Affiliations

    • Regional Adult CF Unit, Seacroft Hospital, York Road, Leeds, UK
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author
  • ,
  • C. Etherington

      Affiliations

    • Regional Adult CF Unit, Seacroft Hospital, York Road, Leeds, UK
  • ,
  • D.G. Peckham

      Affiliations

    • Regional Adult CF Unit, Seacroft Hospital, York Road, Leeds, UK
  • ,
  • A. Whitehead

      Affiliations

    • Pharmacy Department, Seacroft Hospital, York Road, Leeds, UK

Abstract 

Background: Persistent endobronchial inflammation is in part responsible for the attrition of lung function seen in cystic fibrosis. Leukotrienes act as pro-inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of the leukotriene receptor antagonist zafirlukast as a potential anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of adult patients with cystic fibrosis. Methods: Clinically stable patients were enrolled in the study if they had no history or clinical evidence of asthma, bronchial hyper-reactivity, or aspergillosis. They were randomised to receive zafirlukast 20 mg twice daily with all routine treatment for four months or routine treatment alone in an open cross-over design. Primary endpoints were changes in respiratory function tests and a modified NIH clinical score. Results: Thirty patients were enrolled and 25 completed. There was a significant improvement in the modified NIH clinical score but no significant increase in respiratory function with zafirlukast. Conclusions: Patients receiving a leukotriene receptor antagonist in addition to routine treatments showed significant improvement in a clinical score which is a composite of clinical wellbeing, chest radiograph appearance, and physical examination. Respiratory function showed a non-significant trend towards improvement with treatment. Zafirlukast may benefit patients with CF. An adequately powered study is justified on the basis of these results.

Keywords: Cystic fibrosis, Leukotriene receptor antagonists, Anti-inflammatory

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PII: S1569-1993(02)00142-X

doi:10.1016/S1569-1993(02)00142-X

Journal of Cystic Fibrosis
Volume 2, Issue 1 , Pages 25-28, March 2003