A Practical Guide to the Management of Severe Hypertension in Children

Severe hypertension in children may result in life-threatening complications. Although there has not been extensive research in this area in children, and recommendations are mostly derived from adult data, in the last few years, there have been more pediatric studies on the safety and effectiveness of antihypertensives. The clinical presentation of a child with severe hypertension varies and may be completely asymptomatic or include signs and symptoms of end-organ damage. Treatment of a child with severe hypertension is emergent and should be done concomitantly with the evaluation.