[Blood pressure in 6- to 45-month-old children. Apropos of a study of 264 children from nurseries].

The systolic, diastolic and mean blood pressure and pulse rate were measured among 264 children aged 6 to 45 months, during routine check-up in 4 day-nurseries. We took the mean value of 3 successive measurements taken at one minute intervals on the upper arm of calm, asymptomatic children, with an automatic oscillometric monitor (Dinamap). When the mean systolic blood pressure was greater than 110 mmHg, the measurement was repeated. The results were related to weight, height and age and to personal and/or family history. The systolic pressure was steady with a 97th percentile at 110 mmHg. The diastolic pressure presented two levels: 97th percentile at 81 mmHg before 24 months and 73 mmHg afterwards. Nine children born to toxemic mothers, and 14 having required neonatal hospital care, had lower diastolic pressure. The other family or personal data were not linked to particular pressure groups.