Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 15, 2025

A Modified Sonographic Algorithm for Image Acquisition in Life-Threatening Emergencies in the Critically Ill Newborn
Published on: April 7, 2023
Current Practice of Children With Primary Hypertension: A Survey of Pediatricians in Thailand
Suvaree Saelee1, Kwanchai Pirojsakul1
1Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Pediatricians in Thailand showed varied proficiency in managing primary hypertension in children, with diagnostic experience being key. Enhancing diagnostic skills is crucial for improving care for pediatric hypertension.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Public Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Primary hypertension in children is a growing concern.
- Detecting, assessing, and managing pediatric primary hypertension is a core competency for Thai pediatric residents.
- Current practices among Thai pediatricians require evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey the current practices of Thai pediatricians in diagnosing, investigating, and treating children with primary hypertension.
- To identify factors influencing appropriate management of pediatric primary hypertension.
Main Methods:
- An online survey was distributed to pediatric residents, general pediatricians, and pediatric subspecialists in Thailand.
- Survey data included demographic information, educational background, and clinical practices.
- Appropriate answers were defined by adherence to American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines.
Main Results:
- 342 pediatricians participated, with 55% demonstrating appropriate diagnosis skills, 55.6% appropriate investigation skills, and 49.4% appropriate treatment skills.
- Only 12.6% of participants met all criteria for appropriate practice.
- Experience in diagnosis was significantly associated with appropriate practice (44.2% vs 28.4%, P=0.036).
Conclusions:
- Thai pediatricians' management of primary hypertension in children shows room for improvement.
- Diagnostic experience is a critical factor in ensuring appropriate care for pediatric hypertension.
- Further training and emphasis on diagnostic skills are recommended to enhance pediatric hypertension management.
Background:
Being able to detect, assess, and manage children with primary hypertension is one of the requirements of the Thai pediatric residency training curriculum. The present study aimed to survey the practice of pediatric primary hypertension care by Thai pediatricians.
Materials And Methods:
Participants' demographic information, educational background, and practice, including diagnosis, investigation, and treatment in children with primary hypertension at an outpatient setting, were all included in the surveys and were distributed to pediatric residents, general pediatricians, and pediatric subspecialists in Thailand using the online survey. The results were defined as appropriate answers if they were aligned with the guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Results:
342 (79 males) with a mean age of 37.6 years and a mean duration since residency training of 10.4 years were included. The proportion of participants who answered appropriately was 188 (55%), 190 (55.6%), and 169 (49.4%) in the diagnosis, investigation, and treatment parts, respectively. However, only 43 (12.6%) participants could answer appropriately for all 3 parts. Compared to the inappropriate group, experience in diagnosis was higher in the appropriate group (44.2% vs 28.4%, P-value = 0.036), but the duration since residency training < 5 years and being a nephrologist were not different between the 2 groups (41.9% vs 43.5%, P = .849 and 7 vs 6%, P = .807, respectively).
Conclusions:
Experience in diagnosis, rather than the duration after the residency training or being a nephrologist, had a favorable impact on the appropriate practices of children with primary hypertension among Thai pediatricians.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension I: Introduction
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
Hypertension V: Nursing Management
Hypertension IV: Drug Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications
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.

