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Development of normative ambulatory blood pressure data in children. Arbeitsgruppe Pädiatrische Hypertonie

M Soergel1

  • 1University Children's Hospital, Deutschhausstrasse 12, D-35033 Marburg, Germany. soergel@mailer.uni-marburg.de

Blood Pressure Monitoring
|September 22, 1999
PubMed

Insights

This study establishes normal ranges for pediatric ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring in healthy children. Findings provide crucial reference values for evaluating blood pressure in youth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Clinical Physiology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Ambulatory blood pressure (ABP) monitoring is increasingly utilized for pediatric hypertension assessment.
  • Establishing normative data is essential for accurate interpretation of pediatric ABP.
  • Current reference values require validation in large, healthy pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the normal range of values for pediatric ambulatory blood pressure.
  • To provide reference data for children and adolescents based on height and sex.

Main Methods:

  • A multicenter trial involving 1141 healthy children and adolescents (height 115-185 cm).
  • Standardized ABP monitoring procedures were employed across seven centers.
  • Only oscillometric devices (SpaceLab 90207, Meditech) were used.

Main Results:

  • The 50th percentile for 24-hour systolic ABP increased with height in both girls and boys.
  • The 50th percentile for 24-hour diastolic ABP was approximately 66 mmHg, independent of height or sex.
  • Nocturnal ABP values were significantly lower than daytime values for both systolic and diastolic pressures.

Conclusions:

  • This study presents the largest descriptive estimation of normal pediatric ABP values to date.
  • Further research is needed to explore influences of genetics, environment, and devices on pediatric ABP.
  • The optimal range for pediatric ABP, linked to cardiovascular outcomes, requires further definition.
Abstract

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