The assessment and management of hypertensive emergencies and urgencies in children.

Although the prevalence of hypertension in the pediatric population is estimated at only 1% to 2%, hypertensive urgencies and emergencies may be encountered in the emergency department. Efficient management of these children is of utmost importance to avoid some of the life-threatening complications associated with hypertension and its treatment. This article serves to review some of the important aspects of pediatric hypertensive emergencies, including diagnosis, emergency department investigations, and pharmacologic management.