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Questionnaire survey on pediatric hypertension in Japan and Korea
Hyung Eun Yim1, Eun Hee Lee, Gi Young Jang
1Department of Pediatrics, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Pediatric hypertension (HTN) evaluation and management differ between Japan and South Korea. Most pediatricians do not routinely check blood pressure, and self-monitoring is common, highlighting a need for standardized pediatric HTN care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Nephrology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hypertension (HTN) is increasingly recognized in children, challenging the traditional view of it as solely an adult condition.
- Understanding current practices in pediatric hypertension evaluation and management is crucial for addressing this growing health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey and compare the approaches of pediatricians in Japan and South Korea regarding the evaluation and management of hypertensive children.
- To identify current trends and potential disparities in pediatric hypertension care between the two nations.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire was distributed to pediatric specialists, including cardiologists, nephrologists, and general pediatricians, in Japan and South Korea.
- Data were collected from 127 respondents, representing a 47% response rate.
Main Results:
- Routine blood pressure (BP) checks were infrequent (77% Japan, 88% South Korea). Mercury sphygmomanometers were the primary measurement tool.
- BP treatment goals typically targeted the 95th percentile. South Korean pediatricians were more likely to set lower goals for primary HTN.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) were preferred initial agents in South Korea, while Japanese pediatricians used a broader range of medications. Self-monitoring of BP was common, but ambulatory BP monitoring was underutilized.
Conclusions:
- Significant differences exist in the assessment and management of pediatric hypertension between Japan and South Korea.
- Pediatricians need increased awareness of the evolving landscape and implications of hypertension in children.
- Standardization of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for pediatric hypertension is warranted.
Background:
Hypertension (HTN) is no longer viewed as an adult disease. The purpose of the present study was to understand how hypertensive children are evaluated and managed, by surveying pediatricians in Japan and South Korea.
Methods:
A questionnaire was mailed to 109 Japanese (JA) and 159 Korean (KO) pediatric cardiologists, pediatric nephrologists, and other pediatricians.
Results:
A total of 127 replies were received (response rate 47%). Most of respondents did not check blood pressure (BP) routinely in outpatient clinics (JA 77%, KO 88%). A mercury sphygmomanometer was the most commonly used method for BP measurements (JA 72%, KO 62%). BP treatment goals were usually set at the 95th percentile for age, gender, and height (JA 47%, KO 54%). More KO used a lower goal in children with primary HTN than JA. KO respondents preferred angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) as initial agents regardless of underlying diseases whereas JA respondents chose various medications, that is, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and ACEI. For BP monitoring, self-monitoring was found to be most frequent in both countries (JA 80%, KO 57%). Ambulatory BP monitoring was not frequently utilized in both countries (JA 33% KO 34%).
Conclusion:
The current assessment, management and differing trends in pediatric HTN in Japan and Korea have been identified in the present study. Pediatricians should be aware of the growing implications of HTN in children.
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