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Question: Hypertension
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Kelly June 22, 2021 - 11:09 pm
D) Seizure is a common pediatric presentation of hypertensive emergency
Hypertension in pediatrics is increasing. Definitions: > 95th percentile is elevated, >95th percentile to 95th + 12 is Stage 1, > 95th percentile + 12 is Stage 2, but patients must also have evidence of end-organ damage to meet the definition of a hypertensive emergency. A BP > 95th percentile + 30, even if asymptomatic, is a hypertensive emergency. Some common symptoms of end-organ damage include seizures, papilledema, altered mental status, heart failure, and PRES. Patients with hypertensive emergency should not be simply referred to the primary physician; they require work-up, treatment, and admission. BP lowering goal is a reduction of 25% over the first 6-8 hours. Too large of a BP cuff will result in a falsely low measurement.