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Update on the pharmacologic treatment of hypertension in pediatrics

Douglas L Blowey1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, 2401 Gilham Rd., Kansas City, MO 64108, USA. dblowey@cmh.edu

Journal of Clinical Hypertension (Greenwich, Conn.)
|June 8, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pharmacologic treatments for pediatric hypertension effectively lower blood pressure with few side effects. Future research should compare different antihypertensive drug classes and their impact on patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hypertension
  • Pharmacologic Treatment

Background:

  • The past decade has seen significant advancements in treating hypertension in children.
  • Current pharmacologic interventions are generally well-tolerated and effective.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the progress in pharmacologic treatment of pediatric hypertension.
  • To identify future research directions in the field.

Main Methods:

  • Review of studies on antihypertensive agents in children.
  • Analysis of treatment efficacy and adverse effects.

Main Results:

  • Blood pressure medications are effective in reducing hypertension in pediatric patients.
  • Antihypertensive agents demonstrate a favorable safety profile with minimal adverse effects.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacologic management of pediatric hypertension has advanced considerably.
  • Further studies are needed to compare antihypertensive classes and evaluate long-term outcomes.

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