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[Hypertensive crisis in infancy and childhood]
J Wirbelauer1, J Strotmann, A Kirchhoff
1Kinderklinik und Poliklinik, Universität Würzburg. wirbelauer_j@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
Klinische Padiatrie
|December 22, 2007
Summary
Pediatric hypertensive crisis, often challenging to measure, can signal serious conditions like nephroblastoma or kidney dysplasia. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing high blood pressure in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Blood pressure measurement in infants and children can be challenging due to patient uncooperativeness.
- Hypertensive crisis in pediatric patients requires careful evaluation for underlying causes.
- This study reviews case reports to discuss pediatric hypertensive crisis.
Observation:
- A 16-month-old girl presented with an unmeasurable blood pressure, later diagnosed as a hypertensive crisis due to nephroblastoma.
- Another 16-month-old girl experienced rapidly progressive arterial hypertension secondary to kidney dysplasia.
- Headache attacks in a 17-year-old boy led to the diagnosis of subtotal coarctation of the aortic isthmus.
Findings:
- Nephroblastoma and kidney dysplasia are identified as potential causes of hypertensive crisis in infancy.
- Subtotal coarctation of the aortic isthmus can manifest with symptoms like headache attacks in adolescents.
- Special considerations for blood pressure measurement in the pediatric age group are highlighted.
Implications:
- Prompt diagnosis of hypertensive crisis in children is vital for identifying and treating serious underlying conditions.
- Understanding the diverse etiologies of pediatric hypertension is essential for effective management.
- This review emphasizes the importance of considering severe hypertension in pediatric patients with non-specific symptoms.
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