This is a prospective study of montelukast efficacy in addition to standard treatment of status asthmaticus in children who are in the PICU. The study will be stratified in 2 groups: children 6-12 years of age and adolescents 13-18 years of age. Children who meet eligibility requirements will be randomized to receive a rapid-dissolving oral dose of montelukast or placebo. Participants will be given a physical exam, have FEV1 measurements and clinical asthma scores recorded pre- and post- completion of a nebulized albuterol treatment of 0.1 mg/kg/dose (min 2.5 mg/dose). Blood samples for PK analysis will be collected prior to study drug administration and at predetermined time intervals to determine the plasma level of montelukast. In addition, a blood sample will be obtained for genetic study of polymorphisms of CYP3A4, CYP3A5, and CYP2C9.
The purpose of this study is to determine if montelukast, in addition to standard treatment is helpful in treating patients ages 6-18 who are in the hospital because of status asthmaticus.