Hypertension in acute neurological diseases of childhood.
Five children are described who developed hypertension in relation to acute neurological disease. Possible pathophysiological mechanisms for the hypertension are considered. It is thought that the hypertension may have been related to interruption of the ascending tracts in the brain stem, leading to failure of integration between, or independent action of, the baroreceptors and osmoreceptor system. Management and treatment are discussed. Diazoxide (5 mg/kg bodyweight, given intravenously) appears to be the most effective drug for use in the acute episodes.
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001254:Astrocytoma / Q000209:etiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000150:complications; D001927:Brain Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D001933:Brain Stem; D002528:Cerebellar Neoplasms / Q000150:complications; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005910:Glioma / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D006849:Hydrocephalus / Q000150:complications; D006973:Hypertension / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D007223:Infant; D007677:Kidney Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008588:Meningocele / Q000150:complications; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000097:blood
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D004573:Electrolytes