[Treatment of arterial hypertension in children].

The blood pressure is the resultant of the relationship of three different factors: cardiac output, peripheral vascular resistance and blood volume. The etiology of hypertension in children is variable; however increased peripheral vascular resistance (renin dependent) and increased blood volume (sodium dependent), play a role in a variable degree in most cases of hypertension. Increased blood volume is the predominant factor in some cases of (acute glomerulonephritis), whereas vasoconstriction is the most important mechanism in others (renal segmental hypoplasia). Therefore, it becomes important to evaluate each individual case in order to approach therapy. Diuretics are indicated in patients with hypertension secondary to hypervolemia, while antihypertensives are more useful in cases with vasoconstriction. The scheme of treatment for acute hypertensive crises followed in the Department of Nephrology of the Hospital Infantil de Mexico is presented by the authors. A review of the most commonly antihypertensives used in Pediatrics is made, regarding mainly mechanisms of action, indications, recommended doses and side effects.