Abstract
Objective We have previously shown a decrease in the overall stillbirth rate at our institution
in women receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine during pregnancy. The goal of this
study was to ascertain factors associated with this decrease.
Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study examining the stillbirth rate, etiology, autopsy
findings, and placental pathology in pregnant women receiving the seasonal trivalent
inactive influenza vaccine during five influenza seasons between 2003 and 2008. All
stillbirths at our institution are investigated by a committee and an etiology is
assigned. Autopsy is offered to all patients and placental evaluation is performed
routinely.
Results During the study period, 8,690 pregnant women received the seasonal influenza vaccine
antepartum and delivered at our institution. Thirty of these births were complicated
by stillbirth as compared with 436 stillbirths in the 76,153 women not vaccinated
(0.35 vs. 0.57%, p = 0.006). No association was identified between assigned causes of stillbirth when
comparing vaccinated and nonvaccinated women.
Conclusion No specific etiology commonly associated with stillbirth was identified to have been
affected by maternal antepartum influenza vaccination.
Keywords
pregnancy - influenza vaccine - stillbirth - benefit
