A comparative study of the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment for the treatment of obstetric hemorrhage in Nigeria

ObjectiveTo determine whether the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) can improve maternal outcome.MethodsWomen were enrolled in a pre-intervention phase (n = 83) and an intervention phase (n = 86) at a referral facility in Katsina, Nigeria, from November 2006 to November 2007. Entry criteria were obstetric hemorrhage (≥ 750 mL) and a clinical sign of shock (systolic blood pressure < 100 mm Hg or pulse > 100 beats per minute). To determine differences in demographics, condition on study entry, treatment, and outcome, t tests and χ2 tests were used. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for the primary outcome, mortality.ResultsMean measured blood loss in the intervention phase was 73.5 ±93.9 mL, compared with 340.4 ± 248.2 mL pre-intervention (P < 0.001). Maternal mortality was lower in the intervention phase than in the pre-intervention phase (7 [8.1%]) vs 21 [25.3%]) (RR 0.32; 95% CI, 0.14–0.72).ConclusionThe NASG showed potential for reducing blood loss and maternal mortality caused by obstetric hemorrhage-related shock.