The efficacy of mometasone furoate for children with asthma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION: The influence of mometasone furoate for paediatric asthma remains controversial. AIM: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate for paediatric asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have searched PubMed, Embase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through October 2019 for randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of mometasone furoate versus placebo for paediatric asthma. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, as compared to placebo for paediatric asthma, mometasone furoate is associated with substantially increased predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) (mean difference (MD) = 7.53; 95% CI: 7.02–8.04; p < 0.00001), FEV(1) (MD = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.10–0.12; p < 0.00001), and morning peak expiratory flow (AM PEF) (MD = 17.70; 95% CI: 9.91–25.49; p < 0.00001), but demonstrates no obvious effect on pharyngitis (RR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.59–1.58; p = 0.89), upper respiratory tract infections (RR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.50–1.05; p = 0.09), or adverse events (RR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.84–1.31; p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Mometasone furoate may be effective and safe for paediatric asthma.