Rapid measurement of blood pressure in the sick neonate.

We measured mean arterial blood pressure using a hydrostatic technique in 24 sick neonates who had umbilical artery catheters in place. Value for blood pressure obtained with this technique correlated significantly (r = 0.9844, P less than 0.01) with measurements obtained with standard strain gauge and electronic monitor. The method is simple, quick, and safe. It is particularly useful when the infant's size or clinical condition precludes the use of the sphygmomanometer or Doppler ultrasound device or in a setting, such as during transport, when standard electronic means of blood pressure measurement are unavailable.