Mechanical ventilation for bronchiolitis was fi rst described
in the 1960s and was reported to decrease the mortality due
to respiratory failure in bronchiolitis.
25 In those who require
mechanical ventilation, administration of exogenous surfactant
is associated with signifi cantly decreased duration of mechani-
cal ventilation and intensive care length of stay.
26 A very small
minority who deteriorate despite mechanical ventilation, most
commonly those with pre-existing bronchopulmonary dyspla-
sia, may benefi t from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
27