Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 19, 2026

Endothelialized Microfluidics for Studying Microvascular Interactions in Hematologic Diseases
11:08

Endothelialized Microfluidics for Studying Microvascular Interactions in Hematologic Diseases

Published on: June 22, 2012

Masked hypertension is prevalent in children with sickle cell disease: a Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium

Ibrahim F Shatat1, Sherron M Jakson, Amanda E Blue

  • 1Division of Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension, MUSC Children's Hospital, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, CSB-428, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. shatat@musc.edu

Pediatric Nephrology (Berlin, Germany)
|August 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension and abnormal blood pressure patterns are common in children with sickle cell disease (SCD), as revealed by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). These findings highlight the need for increased clinical attention and the utility of ABPM in detecting masked hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Hematology

Background:

  • The prevalence of hypertension and abnormal blood pressure (BP) patterns in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) using 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) is largely unknown.
  • Sickle cell disease is associated with various complications, and cardiovascular health is a growing concern.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of hypertension and abnormal BP patterns in asymptomatic children with SCD using 24-hour ABPM.
  • To assess the utility of ABPM in identifying masked hypertension and circadian BP abnormalities in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Thirty-eight asymptomatic children with SCD (HbSS and HbSC genotypes, including those on chronic transfusion therapy) underwent 24-hour ABPM.
  • Clinic BP, demographic, and biochemical data were collected for correlation with ABPM findings.

Main Results:

  • 43.6% of children had ambulatory hypertension, compared to 10.3% with clinic hypertension.
  • 59% exhibited impaired systolic BP dipping, and 13% had reversed dipping patterns.
  • Clinic and ambulatory BP classifications showed a modest correlation (rho = 0.38, P = 0.02).

Conclusions:

  • Abnormalities in ambulatory BP measurements and patterns are prevalent in children with SCD.
  • Healthcare providers should pay closer attention to BP abnormalities in these children.
  • ABPM is a valuable tool for detecting masked hypertension and circadian BP abnormalities in pediatric SCD.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

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...
Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations01:24

Chronic Kidney Disease II: Clinical Manifestations

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) progressively impairs multiple body systems due to the accumulation of uremic toxins, which disrupt cellular functions across various organs.Neurologic symptomsNeurologic symptoms often arise early in CKD, as uremic toxin buildup drives changes in cognitive and motor functions. Patients frequently experience fatigue, headache, confusion, difficulty concentrating, and, in severe cases, seizures. Peripheral neuropathy commonly manifests as burning sensations in the...
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
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,...
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction01:24

Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction

Nephrotic Syndrome is a chronic kidney disorder defined by clinical findings such as severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia, and edema. These symptoms result from damage to the glomeruli, the kidney’s filtering units, increasing their permeability to proteins.Definition and Meaning:Proteinuria, defined as the loss of more than 3.5 grams of protein per day in adults, is a crucial feature of nephrotic syndrome. This condition is often accompanied by edema, the accumulation of fluid...
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...