Mai Nguyen1, Mark Mitsnefes. 1. Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the recommended work-up in a child who presents with elevated blood pressure as well as innovative evaluation techniques under development. RECENT FINDINGS: 'The fourth report on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents' contains several updates on the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of childhood hypertension. New risk factors for hypertension have been identified and include obesity, sleep apnea, and low birth weight. The roles of uric acid, leptin and C-reactive protein in the pathophysiology of hypertension have been examined. The presence of hypertensive end-organ damage has been demonstrated in hypertensive children. SUMMARY: Current knowledge emphasizes the need to diagnose and treat hypertension when it develops in childhood to decrease the risk of cardiovascular morbidity in adulthood. End-organ injury is evident, illustrated by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, even in young children. Assessment for the presence of comorbidities and end-organ damage should be emphasized. Further study is needed to isolate the etiologic factors for childhood hypertension, improve evaluation techniques, and determine if end-organ damage is reversible with proper therapy.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the recommended work-up in a child who presents with elevated blood pressure as well as innovative evaluation techniques under development. RECENT FINDINGS: 'The fourth report on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents' contains several updates on the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of childhood hypertension. New risk factors for hypertension have been identified and include obesity, sleep apnea, and low birth weight. The roles of uric acid, leptin and C-reactive protein in the pathophysiology of hypertension have been examined. The presence of hypertensive end-organ damage has been demonstrated in hypertensivechildren. SUMMARY: Current knowledge emphasizes the need to diagnose and treat hypertension when it develops in childhood to decrease the risk of cardiovascular morbidity in adulthood. End-organ injury is evident, illustrated by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy, even in young children. Assessment for the presence of comorbidities and end-organ damage should be emphasized. Further study is needed to isolate the etiologic factors for childhood hypertension, improve evaluation techniques, and determine if end-organ damage is reversible with proper therapy.