eonatal Blood Pressure Regulation

ypertension is often viewed solely as a disease of the adult. However, early indicators of hypertenion are frequently observed in young children and neonates. Having an adequate appreciation of the ormal range of infant blood pressure is critical for the appropriate management of the conditions ssociated with elevated or abnormally low blood pressure. In healthy neonates, systolic blood ressure increases rapidly during the first 6 weeks of life with the most rapid rise observed during the rst 5 days. A similar pattern is observed for diastolic pressures. The observed increases in blood ressure are positively correlated with birth weight and both gestational and postnatal age. The ncidence of hypertension in the neonate has been reported to range from 0.2% to 2.6% and is requently an indicator of other renal or cardiovascular abnormalities. Systemic hypotension is eported in 24% to 45% of very low birth weight infants and is frequently caused by hypovolemia. The egulation of blood pressure is complex and the mechanisms involved remain to be fully elucidated. he results of several investigations into the molecular mechanism(s) of hypertension are considered. 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.