Assessing the role of the non-pneumatic anti-shock garment in reducing mortality from postpartum hemorrhage in Nigeria

Abstract

Background/aims: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of maternal mortality. The non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG), a first-aid lower-body pressure device, may decrease mortality.

Methods: This pre-intervention/NASG study of 288 women was conducted in four referral facilities in Nigeria, 2004-2008. Entry criteria: women with PPH due to uterine atony, retained placenta, ruptured uterus, vaginal or cervical lacerations or placenta accreta with estimated blood loss of ≥750 ml and one clinical sign of shock. Differences in demographics, conditions on study entry, treatment and outcomes were examined. t tests and relative risks with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for primary outcomes - measured blood loss and mortality. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine independent association of the NASG with mortality.

Results: Mean measured blood loss decreased by 80% between phases. Women experienced 350 ml of median blood loss after study entry in the pre-intervention and 50 ml in the NASG phase (p < 0.0001). Mortality decreased from 18% pre-intervention to 6% in the NASG phase (RR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.15-0.64, p = 0.0007). In a multiple logistic regression model, the NASG was associated with reduced mortality (odds ratio 0.30; 95% CI 0.13-0.68, p = 0.004).

Conclusion: The NASG shows promise for reducing mortality from PPH in referral facilities in Nigeria.