Objective
To describe preterm birth frequency and newborn and infant outcomes overall and among preterm children in the MATISSE (Maternal Immunization Study for Safety and Efficacy) trial of maternal vaccination with bivalent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein–based vaccine (RSVpreF) to protect infants against severe RSV-associated illness.
Methods
MATISSE was a global, phase 3, randomized, double-blind trial. Pregnant individuals received single injections of RSVpreF or placebo. Adverse events of special interest, including preterm birth (gestational age less than 37 weeks) and low birth weight (2,500 g or less), were collected through 6 months after delivery (pregnant participants) and from birth through age 12 or 24 months (pediatric participants).
Results
Overall, 7,386 pregnant participants received RSVpreF (n=3,698) or placebo (n=3,688); 7,305 newborns and infants were included in the analysis. Most children in both groups were born full term (more than 93%) with normal birth weight (95% or higher). Newborn and infant outcomes, including rates of low birth weight and neonatal hospitalization, were favorable and comparable between groups. Preterm birth rates were 5.7% in the RSVpreF arm and 4.7% in the placebo arm (relative risk [RR] 1.20, 95% CI, 0.98–1.46); most were late preterm. Newborn and infant outcomes, including rates of low birth weight and neonatal hospitalization, were comparable between groups. Twenty-two newborn or infant deaths occurred during the study (RSVpreF n=8, placebo n=14). When stratified by income region, preterm birth rates in RSVpreF and placebo recipients were both 5.0% in high-income countries. Rates in non–high-income countries were 7.0% and 4.0% in the RSVpreF and placebo groups, respectively, and 8.3% and 4.0% in South Africa (RR 2.06, 95% CI, 1.21–3.51).
Conclusion
In this study of maternal RSVpreF vaccination, no clinically significant increase in adverse events of special interest, including preterm birth, low birth weight, or neonatal hospitalization, was observed among pregnant people in the overall analysis. In subgroup analysis of non–high-income countries, an elevated risk of preterm birth was observed. More research is needed to better ascertain preterm delivery risk factors, particularly aimed at minimizing disparities among geographic regions.