Hypertension and future cardiovascular health in pediatric end-stage renal disease patients.

BACKGROUND

There are now numerous studies that have documented an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in young adults who had childhood-onset end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Since the number of such patients surviving to adulthood is increasing, strategies to reduce this risk are urgently needed.

METHODS

The various risk factors contributing to adult cardiovascular disease in this population will be reviewed, with an emphasis on hypertension and its control. Data demonstrating the prevalence of hypertension in childhood chronic kidney disease as well as the results of improved blood pressure control in ESRD will also be presented.

CONCLUSIONS

Hypertension is exceedingly common in pediatric ESRD patients and frequently poorly controlled. Efforts to improve blood pressure control in this patient population could potentially reduce future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.