Surfactant deficiency in infants with severe acute viral bronchiolitis.

Objectives: To 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.

Study Design: Controlled cross-sectional study of 32 infants receiving mechanical ventilation: 16 with a diagnosis of acute viral bronchiolitis and 16 with normal lungs. Tracheal fluid was collected and LBC was performed in an automated cell counter.