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Valsartan use in pediatric hypertension
Kevin E C Meyers1, Brittany Behar
1Division of Pediatric Nephrology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street & Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. meyersk@email.chop.edu
Future Cardiology
|April 2, 2011
Summary
Pediatric hypertension is rising, especially essential hypertension in adolescents due to obesity. This review examines valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), for treating high blood pressure in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypertension affects up to 5% of school-aged children, with secondary causes needing exclusion in prepubertal individuals.
- Essential hypertension is increasing in adolescents, linked to rising obesity rates, now comprising over 50% of pediatric hypertension.
- Drug therapy is often necessary for both primary and secondary pediatric hypertension.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology of valsartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB).
- To assess the efficacy, tolerability, and safe use of valsartan in pediatric patients with hypertension.
Main Methods:
- Review of pharmacological data on valsartan.
- Analysis of clinical studies concerning valsartan's use in pediatric hypertension.
Main Results:
- Valsartan is a key therapeutic option for pediatric hypertension.
- The review details valsartan's efficacy and safety profile in children.
Conclusions:
- Valsartan is an effective and well-tolerated treatment option for pediatric hypertension.
- Understanding valsartan's pharmacology is crucial for its safe and effective application in children.
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