Objective To compare the effect of non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) on blood loss from obstetric haemorrhage with standard management of obstetric haemorrhage.Design Observational study of consecutive obstetric haemorrhage cases before and after introduction of the NASG.Setting Four tertiary care maternity facilities in Egypt.Sample The sample consisted of women with obstetric haemorrhage and signs of shock and the entry criteria were: >750 mL of blood loss and either pulse of >100 beats per minute or systolic blood pressure of <100 mmHg. A total of 158 women were in the preintervention group and 206 in the postintervention group.Methods All the women with haemorrhage meeting the eligibility criteria were treated according to the standard protocol for 4 months (May-August 2004); blood loss was measured and recorded. The NASG was then introduced, and all the women meeting the eligibility criteria were treated according to the standard haemorrhage protocol plus the NASG for 4 months (September-December 2004).Main outcome measures Measured blood loss collected in a closed-end, graduated, plastic, under buttocks collection drape.Results Median measured blood loss in the drape following study entry was 50% lower in those treated with the NASG (250 versus 500 mL, P < 0.001). There was also a non-statistically significant decrease in morbidity and mortality.Conclusions This is the first comparative study of the NASG with a standard obstetric haemorrhage treatment protocol. The NASG shows promise for management of obstetric haemorrhage, particularly in lower resource settings. Larger studies will be needed to determine if the NASG contributes to statistically significant decreases in morbidity and mortality.

Obstetric haemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. In many low-resource settings, delays in transport to referral facilities and in obtaining lifesaving treatment, contribute to maternal deaths. The non-pneumatic anti-shock garment (NASG) is a low-technology pressure device that decreases blood loss, restores vital signs, and has the potential to improve adverse outcomes by helping women survive delays in receiving adequate emergency obstetric care. With brief training, even individuals without medical backgrounds can apply this first-aid device. In this secondary analysis of hospital data from a pre-post intervention study in Egypt (N=364 women with obstetric haemorrhage and shock), 158 received standard care, while 206 received standard care plus the NASG. The NASG significantly reduced blood loss, time to recovery from shock, and, for those with postpartum haemorrhage due to uterine atony who received oxytocin, the NASG had a significant effect on blood loss independent of oxytocin. These results indicate that the NASG may be a valuable innovation for reducing maternal mortality in low-resource settings. Testing at community and household levels will be necessary in order to determine whether the NASG can help women survive the longest delays.