Hypertension in the Neonate
NeoReviews, 07/05/2012

Dionne JM et al. – Remaining challenges include the lack of large–scale normative data, lack of evidence–based treatment recommendations, and a paucity of information on long–term outcome.

• Advances in ability to identify, evaluate, and care for premature infants have lead to an increased awareness of hypertension in the NICU.
• A few recent studies have provided additional information on blood pressure values over the first month after birth and on other intrinsic and extrinsic factors that influence blood pressure in the neonatal period.
• The cause of hypertension in an affected neonate is usually obvious after a focused evaluation, with thromboembolism, kidney diseases, and chronic lung disease accounting for most cases.
• Individual clinical judgment must be relied on to decide on the most appropriate approach to treatment, with some infants needing either intravenous or oral antihypertensive medications.