Low-renin hypertension of childhood.

Measurement of plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone with a knowledge of dietary sodium balance is critical to the diagnostic evaluation of childhood hypertension. Disturbances of steroid production, regulation, metabolism and sensitivity have been implicated in the pathogenesis of low-renin hypertension in childhood. Prompt initiation of treatment is essential because the hemodynamic changes caused by long-standing hypertension may become irreversible. The clinical features and hormonal findings of the most important adrenocortical disorders associated with low-renin hypertension in childhood are summarized.