Pediatric Hypertensive Emergencies

Hypertensive emergency is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment. In children, severe hypertension can be caused by a variety of different underlying conditions. It usually presents with neurological involvement; however, signs and symptoms of injury to the kidneys, myocardium and eyes can also be present. Hospitalization for intravenous treatment with antihypertensive(s) and close monitoring in an intensive care setting are required for these patients. Few studies in children with hypertensive emergency have been done in the last several years. The findings and observations of these studies are discussed in this review.