The influence of birth weight amongst 33–35 weeks gestational age (wGA) infants on the risk of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalisation: a pooled analysis

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the association between birth weight and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) hospitalisation during the first year of life in 33°–35⁶ weeks’ gestational age (wGA) infants.

Study design: Pooled analysis of data (n = 1218) from Spain, Germany, France and Italy.

Result: RSV hospitalised infants overall had a significantly higher birth weight than non-hospitalised infants (2.24 versus 2.14 kg; p < 0.001) for both males (2.25 versus 2.18 kg; p = 0.049) and females (2.22 versus 2.11 kg, p = 0.007). The effect was significant only in 34 wGA infants (33 wGA: hospitalised 1.95 kg versus non-hospitalised 1.95 kg, p = 0.976; 34 wGA: 2.26 versus 2.14 kg, p = 0.007; 35 wGA: 2.37 versus 2.29 kg, p = 0.070), particularly female 34 wGA infants (female: 2.24 versus 2.08 kg, p = 0.019; male: 2.27 versus 2.20, p = 0.191). Birth weight was shown to be an independent risk factor for RSV hospitalisation.

Conclusions: In 33–35 wGA infants, a higher birth weight appeared independently associated with an increased risk of RSV hospitalisation.

• Bronchiolitis
• lower respiratory tract infection
• moderate preterm
• prematurity
• risk factors

Acknowledgements

This study was funded by AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA.

Declaration of interest

Xavier Carbonell-Estrany, Jean-Bernard Gouyon, Marcello Lanari and Richard J. Thwaites have acted as expert advisors and speakers for AbbVie and have received honoraria in this regard. Johannes G. Liese has not received honoraria, travel support or financial support from Abbot or Abbvie in the past five years. Katherine L. Gooch and Pamela G. Vo are former employees of AbbVie. John R. Fullarton and Barry S. Rodgers-Gray have received fees from AbbVie for work on various projects. AbbVie participated in the interpretation of data, writing, reviewing, and approving the publication.