An efficacy and safety evaluation of montelukast plus fluticasone propionate vs. fluticasone propionate in the treatment of cough variant asthma in children: a meta-analysis

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of montelukast (Mon) + fluticasone propionate (Flu) versus Flu in the treatment of cough variant asthma (CVA) in children.MethodsEligible documents were selected from various databases. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate continuous variables, and categorical variables were evaluated using risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI. Heterogeneity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, followed by sensitivity analysis and publication bias evaluation.ResultsNine studies were included, and Flu + Mon was found to significantly improve the total effective rate and reduce cough recurrence compared to Flu. The cough remission and disappearance times in the Mon + Flu group were significantly lower than those in the Flu group. FEV1% recovery in the Mon + Flu group was significantly better than that in the Flu group.ConclusionMon + Flu is effective and safe for the treatment of CVA in children.