Etiology and differential diagnosis of hypertension in children / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Hypertension in children and adolescents is defined as systolic blood pressure(SBP)and/ or dias-tolic blood pressure(DBP)≥95th percentile for age,gender and height,on at least 3 occasions. Primary hypertension is more common among children of older age or adolescents,while secondary hypertension accounts for more cases for younger children. Among causes of secondary hypertension,renovascular diseases,renal parenchymal diseases,cardio-vascular diseases,and endocrine diseases are common. An initial evaluation can be reached after history taking and physical examination,to decide whether it should be primary or secondary hypertension. Laboratory tests and procedures can further confirm the classification and etiology. There is an increase in prevalence of hypertension in children and adolescents,and an in - time diagnosis and evaluation of hypertension is important to help patients receive a better management of their conditions.