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Evaluation and Management of Elevated BP in Children in the ED
Lilian Awad1, Usha Sethuraman2
1Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA. lawad@dmc.org.
Insights
Pediatric hypertension is increasing. This review covers updated definitions and management of high blood pressure and hypertensive crisis in children within the emergency department (ED).
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Pediatric hypertension prevalence has risen significantly over the last 40 years.
- While often managed in primary care, some children require emergency department (ED) evaluation for severe hypertension or hypertensive crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current definitions of elevated blood pressure and hypertension in children.
- To discuss updated literature on the evaluation and management of pediatric hypertension and hypertensive crisis in the ED.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on pediatric hypertension.
- Analysis of updated guidelines and clinical recommendations for emergency care.
Main Results:
- Acute severe hypertension and hypertensive emergencies are critical conditions requiring prompt recognition and treatment.
- Updated definitions and management strategies are crucial for effective pediatric care in the ED.
Conclusions:
- Healthcare providers must be prepared to manage increasing cases of pediatric hypertension in emergency settings.
- Adherence to updated definitions and management protocols can improve outcomes for children with hypertensive crisis.
Purpose Of Review:
Pediatric hypertension has been on the rise over the past four decades. While most cases are evaluated and managed in the primary healthcare setting, some children may be referred to the emergency department (ED) for an expedited workup of elevated blood pressure or for management of hypertensive crisis.
Recent Findings:
Acute severe hypertension without end-organ damage and hypertensive emergency are life-threatening conditions that healthcare providers must be prepared to accurately recognize and treat as pediatric hypertension increases in prevalence. In this article, we review the most recent definitions of elevated blood pressure and hypertension and discuss the updated literature on the evaluation and management of hypertension and hypertensive crisis of children in the ED.
Related Concept Videos
Special considerations while measuring blood pressure
Monitoring Both Arms:
Monitoring BP in both arms during the initial assessment is advisable, as the systolic value may differ by five to ten mm Hg between arms. For subsequent BP assessments, use the arm with the higher reading.
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Hypertension I: Introduction
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Pre-Procedural Guidelines for Assessing Blood Pressure

