Hypertensive emergency (Pediatrics - PEDS)

This is a life-threatening condition due to the elevated blood pressure which affects the brain, heart and kidneys.

The most common causes are kidney disease (affecting the organ itself or its arteries) and endocrine (hormonal) disorders. Contributing factors include obesity, being male, being black, breastfeeding, low birth weight and family history of high blood pressure.

Symptoms usually appear before the age of two and include headache, nose bleeds, visual alterations, increased frequency of urination, extreme thirst, etc.

The condition should be suspected in the event whenever the patient complains of very intense headache and drowsiness or has neurological symptoms. This diagnosis is reached through clinical history taking and full physical examination. Additional tests such as blood tests and various imaging tests are also performed.

Treatment, adapted to the cause of the condition, must be provided urgently in a hospital to prevent permanent damage to the affected organs and to reduce drug side effects (labetalol, nitroprusside or nicardipine).