Questionnaire survey on pediatric hypertension in Japan and Korea

Abstract

Background: Hypertension (HTN) is no longer viewed as an adult disease. The purpose of the present study was to understand how hypertensive children are evaluated and managed, by surveying pediatricians in Japan and South Korea. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 109 Japanese (JA) and 159 Korean (KO) pediatric cardiologists, pediatric nephrologists, and other pediatricians. Results: A total of 127 replies were received (response rate 47%). Most of respondents did not check blood pressure (BP) routinely in outpatient clinics (JA 77%, KO 88%). A mercury sphygmomanometer was the most commonly used method for BP measurements (JA 72%, KO 62%). BP treatment goals were usually set at the 95th percentile for age, gender, and height (JA 47%, KO 54%). More KO used a lower goal in children with primary HTN than JA. KO respondents preferred angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) as initial agents regardless of underlying diseases whereas JA respondents chose various medications, that is, calcium channel blockers, diuretics, and ACEI. For BP monitoring, self-monitoring was found to be most frequent in both countries (JA 80%, KO 57%). Ambulatory BP monitoring was not frequently utilized in both countries (JA 33% KO 34%). Conclusion: The current assessment, management and differing trends in pediatric HTN in Japan and Korea have been identified in the present study. Pediatricians should be aware of the growing implications of HTN in children.