Original Paper

Predictors of Higher Blood Pressure in a Clinical Setting in Normotensive Children: A Prospective Study
Maristela Bohlke^{a, b}, Fernanda Dullius^a, Juliana Menezes^a, Tiago Cunha^a, Hayslan Boemer^a, Adriana Menezes^a, Paulo Caruso<sup>a

a</sup>Nephrology Department, Catholic University of Pelotas, Pelotas, and
^bPost-Graduation Program in Nephrology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

Address of Corresponding Author

Kidney Blood Press Res 2009;32:205-209 (DOI: 10.1159/000226427)

  Key Words

• Blood pressure
• Birth weight
• Body mass index
• White-coat hypertension

  Abstract

This study was designed to assess the predictors of a higher blood pressure (BP) in a clinical setting in a prospective cohort of normotensive children recruited in an outpatient pediatric clinical setting in Southern Brazil. The study evaluated 443 children 3-12 years of age. If the mean value of BP was greater than the 95th percentile for age, sex and height in the medical setting, children were scheduled to other two evaluations at home. The systolic BP percentile in the clinical consultation was associated with BMI and birth weight. The diastolic BP in the clinical consultation was associated with birth weight, age, and BMI. Weight excess, low birth weight and younger age were associated with a higher BP in normotensive children seen in a clinical setting. To our knowledge, this is the first study to describe the association between lower birth weight and a greater BP response to medical consultation. Our finding suggests that the tendency to higher white-coat effect is determined, at least to some extent, in intrauterine life.

Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Maristela Böhlke
Rua Canoas 1054 - Laranjal
Pelotas, RS 96090130 (Brazil)
Tel. +55 53 3229 3865
E-Mail mbohlke.sul@terra.com.br

  Article Information

Received: July 21, 2008
Accepted: April 7, 2009
Published online: June 26, 2009
Number of Print Pages : 5
Number of Figures : 0, Number of Tables : 2, Number of References : 31