Which Pediatric Hypertension Screening Tool Is Best?

In a meta-analysis, an age-modified blood-pressure-to-height ratio was among the most sensitive in identifying children with elevated blood pressure.

Excellent metrics for normal blood pressure have been established by the American Academy of Pediatrics Fourth Task Force on Hypertension as well as by European registries. However, as these standards vary by sex, age, and/or height throughout childhood, efficient use of these data to detect elevated blood pressure in everyday pediatric clinical encounters is challenging.

In a meta-analysis of 16 studies comprising 366,321 children (aged 3–18 years), researchers examined the sensitivity and specificity of commonly used screening tools for detection of childhood hypertension. Significant heterogeneity in sensitivities and specificities among these studies was identified. The authors limited analysis to the five studies with the highest specif…

Reviewing Author

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

F. Bruder Stapleton, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardCareer Physician

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Pediatric Nephrology Foundation (Chair)

Which Pediatric Hypertension Screening Tool Is Best?

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Reviewing Author