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Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Biochemical Measurement of Neonatal Hypoxia
Published on: August 24, 2011
Blood pressure in the very low birth weight neonate
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390-9063, USA. wengle@mednet.swmed.edu
Abstract:
Few aspects of management of very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) neonates have generated as much controversy as the assessment of blood pressure (BP) and need for treatment of perceived abnormalities of this physiologic variable. The approach to this problem may differ greatly among various institutions and even among clinicians within a given center. The purpose of this manuscript is to review available information regarding physiologic determinants and measurement of BP in VLBW neonates, normative data for BP, clinical factors that may affect BP in these at-risk neonates and studies in which presumed abnormalities of BP resulted in adverse clinical outcomes. Options for treatment of low BP in VLBW neonates also will be discussed.
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