UK Study Reveals No Benefit of Surfactant for Severe Bronchiolitis in Infants

A recent clinical trial led by the University of Liverpool has found that surfactant treatment, commonly administered to premature infants to assist with breathing, offers no significant benefits for critically ill infants suffering from severe bronchiolitis, a viral illness that disproportionately affects young children. This conclusion was presented at the 34th International Congress of the European Society for Pediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC) held in Alicante, Spain, on June 26, 2025.

Bronchiolitis, primarily caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), leads to hospitalizations for thousands of infants each year, particularly during the winter months. The condition is characterized by inflammation of the lungs and is most severe in premature and newborn babies who often present with a deficiency of surfactant, a substance that helps keep the lungs inflated and reduces surface tension.

The BESS trial, which is the largest randomized study to investigate the efficacy of surfactant therapy for bronchiolitis, was conducted across 15 children's hospitals in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and involved 232 critically ill infants. Despite the established benefits of surfactant therapy for premature newborns, the study revealed that the treatment did not decrease the duration of ventilator support necessary for infants with bronchiolitis.

Professor Calum Semple OBE, the lead researcher from the University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, stated, "While the treatment was found to be safe, it did not affect the recovery time for these infants on ventilators. Our hopes that surfactant could accelerate recovery have not been substantiated by the evidence."

The findings highlight the lack of effective treatments for bronchiolitis, which remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for infants in the UK during the winter. Approximately 25,000 infants are hospitalized annually for the condition, with around 1,000 requiring intensive care and ventilatory support. Most infants recover with supportive care, including oxygen and hydration, but the absence of effective pharmacological interventions remains a critical issue.

The BESS trial also underscores the importance of ongoing research into alternative therapies for bronchiolitis. Professor Semple emphasized the need for innovation, stating, "We will continue to research better ways to help these vulnerable infants. Meanwhile, I urge mothers-to-be to accept the offer of the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, which can protect their newborns from severe bronchiolitis."

Despite the disappointing results for surfactant treatment in bronchiolitis, it remains essential for treating premature newborns who lack sufficient surfactant due to their early birth. The researchers advocate for further studies to explore targeted therapies that might provide better outcomes for infants suffering from this common viral infection.

In conclusion, the findings of the BESS trial serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in pediatric care and the critical need for continued research into effective treatments for conditions such as bronchiolitis. As the medical community seeks innovative approaches, the safety of existing therapies like surfactant for vulnerable populations remains a priority.

For further information, visit the conference website at [emedevents.com](http://www.emedevents.com/c/medical-c … ntensive-care-espnic).