This study assesses the prevalence and etiology of childhood hypertension and whether normative data obtained by Second Task Force in USA1 is applicable to pediatric population in Turkey. 8,820 children (4,141 male 47 %, 4,679 female 53%) aged 7-16 years who are students of 15 primary schools of Malatya in Turkey, were studied between February 1995 and September 1995. The child accepted as hypertensive when the blood pressure is at least above 95th percentile rank for age and sex. Medical history, physical examination and laboratory studies were performed. Hypertension was detected in 53 (0,6%) of 8,820 ch ildren. 32 (60,4%) were female and 21 (39.6%) male.In 44 children of 53 hypertension the etiological investigations carried out. In 8 (18,2%) patients the etiological factors could be detected. Hypertension causes were renal in 6 (13,6%) patients and in 2 (4.6%)cases endocrine. In 36 (81,8%) cases no etiological factor could be found, but family history of essential hypertension in 11 (30,5%) detected. In this group 22 of 36 children had obesity. As a conclusion the prevalence of hypertension in 7-16 age group is 0,6% in our district. 81,8% of hypertensive children have essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is frequently 61%) associated with obesity.
Key words: Childhood,Etiology, Hypertension,Prevalence
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