Hypertension in Children Flashcards
Secondary hypertension is the most common cause in children. What is the most common cause of secondary hypertension in children?
Renal parenchymal disease (80%)
What are some causes of hypertension in children?
- Renal parenchymal disease
- Renal vascular disease
- Coarctation of the aorta
- Phaeochromocytoma
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Essential or primary hypertension (becomes more common as children become older)
What is the correct cuff size in children?
2/3 the length of the upper arm
What are some symptoms of aortic coarctation?
- Lower limb claudication
- Cardiomegaly
- Headache
- Radiofemoral delay
If a blood pressure reading is high, what should you offer?
A 24 hr BP monitor.
What tests should be done in a child with hypertension?
-
Urine - blood and ACR.
- Blood is more serious than protein. (Blood is a bigger molecule than protein)
- Renal USS - looking for renal artery stenosis, scarring, renal parenchymal disease (Can also look at the adrenals for CAH and phaeochromocytoma)
- Bloods - U&Es, early morning renin-aldosterone (Conn’s), early morning cortisol (Cushing’s)
- ECG - QT interval > 460ms=abnormal.
- Cardiac Screening - HOCM.
The younger the child…..
The great the chance that the cause of the hypertension will be from the kidneys.
How do you treat it?
As per NICE guidelines in adults.
But as a GP you will refer to the paediatrician for investigations & treatment.