Factors Associated With Hypertension and Cardiovascular Parameters in Children With Infrequently Relapsing Nephrotic...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Nephrology
• Cardiovascular Health in Children
• Hypertension Research

Background:

• Infrequently relapsing nephrotic syndrome (IRNS) affects children, with potential complications like hypertension.
• Understanding hypertension prevalence and associated risks in IRNS is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of hypertension in children with IRNS during relapse.
• To investigate the association between hypertension, dyslipidemia, and end-organ damage (left ventricular hypertrophy - LVH) in these children.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 83 children (aged 1-12 years) with IRNS in relapse.
• Evaluated blood pressure, fundus examination, blood/urine tests at relapse and 4 weeks post-therapy.
• Echocardiography assessed LVH and concentric geometry (CG) at 4 weeks.

Main Results:

• Hypertension was observed in 32.5% of children during relapse, with 25.3% having stage I hypertension.
• Previous hypertension episodes and a family history of hypertension were significantly associated with current hypertension.
• Concentric geometry (CG) was more prevalent in hypertensive children (28%) compared to non-hypertensive children (5.5%).

Conclusions:

• Approximately one-third of children with IRNS experience hypertension at relapse.
• A significant proportion of hypertensive children with IRNS exhibit concentric geometry, suggesting potential cardiac changes.