Severe acute viral bronchiolitis and surfactant deficiency

Abstract

Acute viral bronchiolitis is a common respiratory tract infection in infants and children that often results in hospitalization, and earlier studies have suggested that it is associated with deficiency of surfactant. In this issue of The Journal, Hartmann et al from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, report on a study of surfactant use in 16 infants with acute viral bronchiolitis. They show that there were markedly reduced surfactant content and function compared with 16 controls. The authors suggest that the measurement of surfactant content and function might help to identify infants with bronchiolitis who would benefit from surfactant replacement therapy.Article page 1432▶ Acute viral bronchiolitis is a common respiratory tract infection in infants and children that often results in hospitalization, and earlier studies have suggested that it is associated with deficiency of surfactant. In this issue of The Journal, Hartmann et al from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, report on a study of surfactant use in 16 infants with acute viral bronchiolitis. They show that there were markedly reduced surfactant content and function compared with 16 controls. The authors suggest that the measurement of surfactant content and function might help to identify infants with bronchiolitis who would benefit from surfactant replacement therapy. Article page 1432▶ Surfactant Deficiency in Infants with Severe Acute Viral BronchiolitisThe Journal of PediatricsVol. 164Issue 6PreviewTo evaluate surfactant content and function through the lamellar body count (LBC) and stable microbubble test (SMT) in mechanically ventilated infants with severe acute viral bronchiolitis. Full-Text PDF