Related Experiment Videos

Hypertension in Jordanian children: a retrospective analysis of 70 cases

R A Said1, S M Said

  • 1Department of Medicine, Medical School, Jordan University, Amman.

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|September 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric hypertension is predominantly secondary to kidney issues in Jordan. Renal parenchymal diseases caused most cases, with surgical cures possible for some secondary hypertension causes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension) in children and adolescents is a growing concern.
  • Identifying the causes of hypertension in young patients is crucial for effective management.
  • Jordan University Hospital observed a significant number of pediatric hypertension cases over three years.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and etiologies of hypertension in pediatric patients at Jordan University Hospital.
  • To differentiate between essential and secondary hypertension in this age group.
  • To analyze the specific causes of secondary hypertension, particularly renal-related conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 70 pediatric patients (aged 1-20 years) diagnosed with hypertension.
  • Analysis of blood pressure (BP) readings, ranging from 140-230 mmHg systolic and 90-130 mmHg diastolic.
  • Categorization of hypertension causes, including essential hypertension, renal parenchymal diseases (RPD), reno-vascular lesions, renal transplantation, teenage pregnancy, and phaeochromocytoma.

Main Results:

  • Secondary hypertension accounted for 91.4% of cases (n=64), with essential hypertension in only 8.6% (n=6).
  • Renal parenchymal diseases (RPD) were the leading cause of secondary hypertension (65.7%, n=46).
  • Specific RPD causes included end-stage renal disease (14), acute glomerulonephritis (14), idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (10), chronic renal insufficiency (5), and polycystic kidney disease (3). Reno-vascular lesions (11.4%), renal transplantation (7.2%), teenage pregnancy (5.7%), and phaeochromocytoma (1.4%) were other causes.

Conclusions:

  • The vast majority of pediatric hypertension cases in this Jordanian cohort are secondary, primarily driven by renal parenchymal diseases.
  • Early diagnosis and management of underlying renal conditions are critical for controlling hypertension in children.
  • Surgical intervention offered a cure for hypertension in patients with reno-vascular lesions and phaeochromocytoma, highlighting the importance of identifying treatable secondary causes.

Related Concept Videos

Alterations in Blood Pressure01:30

Alterations in Blood Pressure

Alterations in blood pressure, such as hypertension (high blood pressure) and hypotension (low blood pressure), significantly affect human health. Understanding these conditions' classifications, causes, and symptoms is essential for effective management and treatment.
Hypertension (High blood pressure)
Hypertension occurs when blood pressure readings consistently exceed the normal range. It is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure (the top number, indicating pressure while the heart beats)...
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
Hypertension V: Nursing Management01:23

Hypertension V: Nursing Management

The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.