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Pharmacologic Treatment of Pediatric Hypertension

Rachita S Dhull1, Rossana Baracco1, Amrish Jain1

  • 1Children's Hospital of Michigan/Wayne State University, 3901 Beaubien St., Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.

Current Hypertension Reports
|April 7, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric hypertension is rising, but antihypertensive drugs are safe and effective for children. This review covers drug actions, side effects, and new treatments for childhood hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Cardiology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Increasing prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents.
  • Uncontrolled pediatric hypertension leads to end-organ damage and increases adult cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Antihypertensive medications are proven effective and well-tolerated in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current pediatric data on antihypertensive medications.
  • To discuss mechanism of action, adverse effects, and indications for common drug classes.
  • To highlight recent clinical trials and emerging antihypertensive therapies for children.

Main Methods:

  • Review of available pediatric clinical trial data.
  • Analysis of pharmacological profiles and safety data.
  • Synthesis of information on drug classes, indications, and adverse effects.

Main Results:

  • Antihypertensive medications demonstrate efficacy and an acceptable safety profile in children.
  • Choice of agent depends on hypertension etiology, side effect profile, and clinical judgment.
  • Current data supports the use of various antihypertensive classes in pediatric patients.

Conclusions:

  • Antihypertensive therapy is a viable and safe option for managing pediatric hypertension.
  • Ongoing research and newer agents continue to expand treatment options.
  • Effective management of childhood hypertension is crucial for preventing long-term cardiovascular complications.

Keywords:
Clinical trialsDosing for hypertensionHypertensionHypertension in childrenPharmacologic management

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