Statistically significant differences were observed in favor of BIS over montelukast in the percentage of patients requiring oral steroids at 52 weeks ( 21.9 % vs 37.1 % ; P = .022 ) , the rate ( number/patient/year ) of additional courses of medication ( 1.35 vs 2.30 ; P = .003 ) , the rate of additional oral steroid therapy ( 0.44 vs 0.88 ; P = .008 ) , and caregivers ' ability to manage the patient 's symptoms ( P = .026 ) .