Ambulatory blood pressure profiles of children with asthma compared to healthy controls.

BACKGROUND

Studies suggest that asthma and hypertension may be comorbid conditions. Most of these studies are epidemiological research. However, data on the relationship between asthma and hypertension in childhood are limited. We aimed to evaluate ambulatory blood pressure profiles of children with asthma.

METHODS

Children aged 5-18 with asthma were evaluated using ABPM. The control group included healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. A total of 26 patients with asthma and 20 controls were enrolled.

RESULTS

Children with asthma had higher mean 24-h systolic blood pressure (SBP) SDS (standard deviation score) compared to controls (mean difference: 0.84, 0.19 ± 1.14 vs. - 0.65 ± 1.09, p = 0.015). Daytime SBP SDS was higher in those with asthma (mean difference: 0.83, 0.009 ± 1.22 vs. - 0.82 ± 1.09, p = 0.021), as was nighttime SBP SDS (mean difference: 0.74, 0.64 ± 1.09 vs. - 0.10 ± 0.79, p = 0.013). Median nighttime SBP load was higher in those with asthma (p = 0.006). Nondipping status was found in 23.1% of patients with asthma (none in controls, p = 0.021). One patient (3.8%) had ambulatory hypertension and six (23.1%) had masked hypertension (none in controls, p = 0.042). Extended use of inhaled corticosteroids was associated with a 2% increase in the odds of developing hypertension (OR 1.02, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with asthma may be at greater risk for developing hypertension compared to healthy counterparts. Ambulatory blood pressure tends to be higher in children with asthma than healthy peers. Inhaled steroids potentially contribute to elevated BP levels in children with asthma.