Perioperative Management of Paediatric Hypertension

Paediatric hypertension presents significant perioperative challenges due to its variable aetiology and potential for end-organ damage. The prevalence varies with age and is associated with both primary and secondary causes, which differ markedly from adult hypertension. This review outlines the classification, diagnosis, and causes of paediatric hypertension to provide context for its management in the perioperative setting. Emphasis is placed on the identification and preoperative optimisation of hypertension, intraoperative blood pressure control, and the management of hypertensive crises. Specific perioperative strategies, including anaesthetic planning, pharmacological interventions, and postoperative monitoring, are discussed. Specific conditions such as phaeochromocytoma and aortic coarctation require tailored pharmacological strategies and close interdisciplinary collaboration. Postoperative care in an intensive care setting is essential for monitoring complications and achieving long-term blood pressure control. Effective perioperative management of paediatric hypertension requires early identification, thorough preoperative assessment, and prompt intraoperative and postoperative intervention. Multidisciplinary care and an understanding of paediatric specific pathophysiology are key to reducing morbidity and improving outcomes.