The effect of cuff width on systolic blood pressure measurements in neonates.

The width of the blood pressure cuff was found to have an effect on the accuracy of systolic blood pressure measured in the arm and thigh in neonates. Data were collected in 26 infants of a variety of birth weights and gestational ages. They show that the effect of cuff size can be minimized by selecting a cuff width equal to approximately 50% of the extremity circumference.