Hypertension in Thai children: a report from a hospital in suburban area

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Published on: February 2, 2017

Satit Manopunya1, Sookkasem Khositseth

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumtani, Thailand.

Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet Thangphaet
|February 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Childhood hypertension, particularly secondary hypertension caused by kidney disease, is common in Thai children. Obesity is a key factor in essential hypertension, emphasizing the need for regular blood pressure checks in obese youth.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Childhood hypertension is a significant risk factor for adult cardiovascular disease.
  • Data on pediatric hypertension in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, is limited.
  • Understanding the causes and outcomes of hypertension in Thai children is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causes, treatment, and long-term outcomes of hypertension in Thai children.
  • To identify common etiologies and associated risk factors for childhood hypertension in Thailand.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective study of 62 pediatric patients (<15 years) diagnosed with hypertension.
  • Data collected from Thammasat University hospital between December 2004 and November 2009.
  • Analysis of patient demographics, hypertension type, end-organ damage, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • 88.7% of patients had secondary hypertension, predominantly due to renal parenchymal disease (67.3%).
  • Hypertensive emergencies were often linked to acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN, 66.7%).
  • Obesity was prevalent in 70% of patients with essential hypertension; 11.3% had left ventricular hypertrophy.

Conclusions:

  • Secondary hypertension, especially from renal causes and APSGN, is common in Thai children.
  • Obesity is a significant risk factor for essential hypertension in this population.
  • Effective management of childhood hypertension leads to favorable long-term outcomes.

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