Hypertension (HTN) is no longer an exclusively adult disease; the prevalence of pediatric HTN is increasing. To understand the evaluation and treatment of childhood HTN in Korea, we investigated, via a questionnaire, how hypertensive children are currently assessed and managed by pediatric cardiologists (CA) and nephrologists (NE).

We surveyed 82 pediatric CA and 77 NE, regarding how they manage hypertensive children in Korea.

A total 75 replies were received to our questionnaire request (response rate: 47.15%). Routine blood pressure (BP) checks were more frequently performed by NE (CA: 5.7%, NE: 25%, P =0.03), but most respondents (86%) did not check BP routinely. Mercury sphygmomanometers were the most commonly used devices and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was not frequently used. The goal BP in treated patients was set at the 95th percentile by 61% of respondents. NE used a lower BP goal in hypertensive children with renal disease (CA: 24%, NE: 64%, P =0.004) or DM (CA: 12.5%, NE: 50%, P =0.003). Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors were the most commonly used agents (mean: 59%); following ACE inhibitors, CA preferred diuretics for hypertensive children with renal disease or cardiovascular disease, and NE preferred calcium channel blockers, regardless of underlying disease. Self-monitoring was the most frequent method for BP monitoring at home.

In Korea, BP measurement is not yet a routine examination in treating hypertension. There are some differences in management strategies vis-a-vis hypertension, between pediatric cardiologists and nephrologists. For the appropriate management and prevention of secondary disease in long-term studies, standard guidelines and education are needed for pediatricians.