[Arterial hypertension with renal disease revealed by heart failure in infants: two case reports]

S Magnin-Verschelde1, C Fichtner, M-P Lavocat

  • 1Service de réanimation pédiatrique, hôpital Nord, centre hospitalier universitaire de Saint-Étienne, avenue Albert-Raimond, 42055 Saint-Étienne cedex 2, France. sophie.verschelde@free.fr

Insights

Hypertension in infants, though rare, can manifest as heart failure and is often linked to kidney disease. Early diagnosis via blood pressure checks and renal ultrasound is crucial for managing this condition and preventing severe complications.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Infant hypertension is rare but can present with heart failure.
  • Kidney diseases are primary drivers of hypertension in infants.
  • Early detection is vital for managing potential complications.

Observation:

  • Two infant cases of late-diagnosed hypertension with hypertensive cardiomyopathy are presented.
  • Case 1: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease.
  • Case 2: Renal artery stenosis leading to hypertensive encephalopathy and neurological issues.

Findings:

  • Blood pressure control was challenging in the acute phase for both cases.
  • Renal ultrasound is a key diagnostic tool for identifying underlying causes.
  • Hypertension in infants can stem from various renovascular conditions.

Implications:

  • Timely diagnosis of infant hypertension is essential to prevent severe outcomes like cardiomyopathy and encephalopathy.
  • Routine blood pressure measurement in infants is recommended for early detection.
  • Identifying renovascular causes allows for targeted and effective treatment strategies.

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