Oscillometric Blood Pressure Standards for Children

Abstract

We previously reported blood pressure (BP) readings obtained by the Dinamap (DIN) (Model 8100) were 10 mmHg higher than those obtained by auscultatory methods and thus were not interchangeable. DIN BP data on 7208 schoolchildren ages 5 to 17 were analyzed to generate normative DIN BP standards and to examine the rational for presenting BP standards according to age and height percentiles. Three BP measurements were taken in the sitting position using a BP cuff width 40% to 50% of the circumference of the arm. Boys' systolic pressures (SP) were significantly (p < 0.05) greater (up to 11 mmHg) than those of the girls in subjects age 13 to 17 years. SP levels were most closely correlated with weight (r = 0.595), followed by height (r = 0.560) and age (r = 0.518). When BP levels were adjusted for age and weight, the correlation coefficient of DIN SP with height was negligible (r = 0.026 for boys; r = 0.085 for girls), whereas when adjusted for age and height, the correlation of SP with weight remained high (r = 0.303 for boys; r = 0.216 for girls), indicating that height is not an important independent predictor of BP levels. In conclusion, Dinamap-specific BP standards presented in this report are the only standards that have been generated according to the current BP guidelines recommended by national committees. We found no rational for presenting BP standards according to age and height percentiles.

Comparison of ambulatory blood pressure and Task Force criteria to identify pediatric hypertension

“…TF BP measurements are obtained by auscultation, whereas ABPM measurements are based on oscillatory monitoring. When BP has been measured on the same patient using both techniques, oscillometric measurements have been consistently higher than those obtained by auscultation [27,28]. In the study by Park et al [28], comparing casual measurements using an automatic BP device (oscillometric) to auscultation in the San Antonio, TX area, oscillatory systolic BP and diastolic BP were 10 and 5 mmHg respectively higher than auscultatory measurements.…”

Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertension in Children

“…Blood pressure percentiles have been calculated for each sex, all age groups, and for seven height-percentile categories. In Europe, reference values were obtained in a small number of studies [6][7][8], but unfortunately, tables did not provide data for age, sex, and height together, or the data were collected using nonvalidated oscillometric devices. Consequently, and because of the large amount of data available, the fourth report on the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of high blood pressure in children and adolescents [1] remains the study of reference.…”

An Open Study of Adjunct OROS-Methylphenidate in Children Who Are Atomoxetine Partial Responders: II. Tolerability and Pharmacokinetics

“…Blood pressure and HR were measured by a single determination obtained through an automated oscillometric device. Although automated blood pressure devices reduce observer bias, they tend to report blood pressure values 4-12 mmHg higher than blood pressure obtained by the auscultatory method (Park et al 2001;Park et al 2005).…”