Changes of Eosinophils in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of Cough Variant Asthma Children and Modulation Effect of Montelukast

OBJECTIVE To observe the changes of eosinophils(EOS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cough variant asthma children before and after montelukast treatment. METHODS Eighty-one cough variant asthma children were randomly divided into treatment group(n=37) and control group(n=44). The control group was treated with conventional therapy, and the treatment group was given montelukast besides the conventional therapy. The level of EOS were observed before and after 12 weeks therapy between the two groups. RESULTS The level of EOS before therapy was (4.65±0.76)% and (4.51±0.67)% in control group and treatment group, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups(P>0.05). The level of EOS after therapy was (3.04±0.58)% and (1.93±0.51)% in control group and treatment group, respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups(P<0.01). CONCLUSION Montelukast can significantly decrease the level of EOS in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of cough variant asthma children.