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

Objective To determine whether the non‐pneumatic anti‐shock garment (NASG) can improve maternal outcome. Methods Women 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 χ 2 tests were used. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were estimated for the primary outcome, mortality. Results Mean 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). Conclusion The NASG showed potential for reducing blood loss and maternal mortality caused by obstetric hemorrhage‐related shock.