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Diagnosis and Treatment of Monogenic Hypertension in Children
1Department of Pediatrics, Daejeon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
Insights
Monogenic hypertension, caused by single gene mutations, is key in pediatric cases. Early genetic diagnosis and tailored treatments are crucial for managing this condition and improving long-term health.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Cardiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Monogenic hypertension (HTN) is a secondary form of high blood pressure, distinct from primary or polygenic HTN.
- It is characterized by early onset, severe, and often familial hypertension, frequently accompanied by electrolyte imbalances.
- Genetic mutations disrupt blood pressure regulation in the kidneys and adrenal glands, leading to increased sodium reabsorption and volume expansion.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the significance of monogenic hypertension in pediatric cases.
- To emphasize the role of genetic factors in blood pressure regulation and antihypertensive medication response.
- To underscore the importance of early diagnosis and personalized treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of pathophysiological mechanisms of monogenic hypertension.
- Discussion of diagnostic clues including family history and electrolyte levels.
- Exploration of the link between genetic factors and antihypertensive drug efficacy.
Main Results:
- Monogenic HTN involves single gene mutations affecting BP regulation.
- Pathophysiology includes increased sodium reabsorption, volume expansion, and altered renin/aldosterone levels.
- Potassium levels can indicate potential monogenic causes.
Conclusions:
- Early and precise genetic diagnosis is critical for effective management of monogenic HTN.
- Targeted antihypertensive therapy based on genetic findings improves outcomes.
- Understanding genetic architecture and pharmacogenomics enables precision medicine for better adult morbidity and mortality.
Abstract:
Although the majority of individuals with hypertension (HTN) have primary and polygenic HTN, monogenic HTN is a secondary type that is widely thought to play a key role in pediatric HTN, which has the characteristics of early onset, refractory HTN with a positive family history, and electrolyte disorders. Monogenic HTN results from single genetic mutations that contribute to the dysregulation of blood pressure (BP) in the kidneys and adrenal glands. It is pathophysiologically associated with increased sodium reabsorption in the distal tubule, intravascular volume expansion, and HTN, as well as low renin and varying aldosterone levels. Simultaneously increased or decreased potassium levels also provide clues for the diagnosis of monogenic HTN. Discovering the genetic factors that cause an increase in BP has been shown to be related to the choice of and responses to antihypertensive medications. Therefore, early and precise diagnosis with genetic sequencing and effective treatment with accurate antihypertensive agents are critical in the management of monogenic HTN. In addition, understanding the genetic architecture of BP, causative molecular pathways perturbing BP regulation, and pharmacogenomics can help with the selection of precision and personalized medicine, as well as improve morbidity and mortality in adulthood.
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