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Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Assessment of Vascular Function in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease
Published on: June 16, 2014
Role of hypertension in progression of pediatric CKD
1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH, 45229, USA. Mark.mitsnefes@cchmc.org.
Insights
Hypertension is common in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially with acquired kidney disease. Aggressively treating high blood pressure is crucial for slowing CKD progression in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Cardiovascular Health in Children
- Chronic Kidney Disease Management
Background:
- Hypertension is a frequent complication in pediatric patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
- The prevalence of hypertension in children with CKD is influenced by the stage and underlying cause of the kidney disease.
- Acquired kidney diseases are linked to a higher incidence of hypertension compared to congenital kidney conditions in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the prevalence and implications of hypertension in pediatric chronic kidney disease.
- To highlight the association between hypertension and CKD progression in children.
- To emphasize the importance of aggressive blood pressure management in this population.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on hypertension in pediatric CKD.
- Analysis of prevalence data based on CKD stage and etiology.
- Inclusion of findings from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring studies.
Main Results:
- Hypertension is prevalent in children with CKD, with varying rates depending on CKD stage and cause.
- Masked hypertension is also common, as indicated by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
- Uncontrolled hypertension significantly contributes to the progression of CKD in pediatric cases.
Conclusions:
- Aggressive management of hypertension is essential for children with CKD.
- Timely and effective blood pressure control can help delay the advancement of chronic kidney disease in pediatric patients.
- Integrated care focusing on both kidney function and blood pressure is vital for improving outcomes.
Abstract:
Hypertension is frequent in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Its prevalence varies according to CKD stage and cause. It is relatively uncommon in children with congenital kidney disease, while acquired kidney disease is associated with a higher prevalence of hypertension. Studies in children with CKD utilizing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring also showed a high prevalence of masked hypertension. Uncontrolled and longstanding hypertension in children is associated with progression of CKD. Aggressive treatment of high blood pressure should be an essential part of care to delay CKD progression in children.
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