Following our experience of using Shock Index in CRADLE 3, it became apparent that there was a possible correlation between the high prevalence of severe anaemia in our sites in Southern India and triggering of the CRADLE shock detector. If this was proven to be the case, the CRADLE VSA could therefore be utilised as a warning for the condition. Once detected early, referral for iron therapy could be instigated before the woman became symptomatic.
This 12-month study was launched in July 2018 in Karnataka state, South West India, thanks to the success of the Newton Prize.
The aim of the project is to establish whether there is a correlation between shock index and anaemia.
Pulse rate and blood pressure measurements of 1500 women in antenatal wards and rural outpatient clinics will be taken using the CRADLE VSA, which will automatically calculate shock.
This data will be analysed, along with each woman’s haemoglobin level, in order to determine whether shock index calculated by the CRADLE VSA can predict anaemia in pregnant women.
If the results from this study prove successful, there is potential to include the device in clinical pathways to manage anaemia and therefore significantly improve maternal outcomes and care in low income settings.
