Combination Therapy of Montelukast and Desloratadine in Pediatric Allergic Rhinitis: Effects on Symptoms and Inflammatory Markers

Abstract

This retrospective, controlled study evaluated the clinical outcomes of montelukast sodium combined with desloratadine syrup in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis. Medical records from 360 children aged 6-12 years treated between October 2021 and November 2024 were reviewed. Patients were classified according to documented treatment as desloratadine monotherapy (Group A, n = 180) or desloratadine plus montelukast (Group B, n = 180). During the 4-week treatment period, Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), Total Non-Nasal Symptom Score (TNNSS), time to symptom improvement, serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-13 (IL-13), eosinophil counts, and adverse events were assessed. Group B had lower post-treatment TNSS (4.65 ± 2.12 vs 5.32 ± 2.09, p = 0.003) and TNNSS (1.96 ± 1.43 vs 2.48 ± 1.01, p < 0.001), and rhinorrhea improved sooner (10.38 ± 1.87 vs 13.48 ± 1.20 days, p < 0.001). Greater reductions were also observed in inflammatory markers, including IgE and IL-13 (90.36 ± 22.58 vs 102.78 ± 19.25 ng/L, p < 0.001). Adverse-event rates did not differ significantly (0.56% vs 1.67%; Fisher's exact test, p = 0.623), although only four events were recorded. These findings indicate that combination therapy was associated with greater improvements in clinical symptoms and inflammatory markers than desloratadine monotherapy; however, the retrospective, nonrandomized design and limited safety events require cautious interpretation.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. Journal of Visualized Experiments, 2026 · DOI ↗