Monitoring the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Prevalence of Antibodies in a Large, Repetitive Cross-Sectional Study of Blood Donors in Germany-Results from the SeBluCo Study 2020-2022.

SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance is important to adapt infection control measures and estimate the degree of underreporting. Blood donor samples can be used as a proxy for the healthy adult population. In a repeated cross-sectional study from April 2020 to April 2021, September 2021, and April/May 2022, 13 blood establishments collected 134,510 anonymised specimens from blood donors in 28 study regions across Germany. These were tested for antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and nucleocapsid, including neutralising capacity. Seroprevalence was adjusted for test performance and sampling and weighted for demographic differences between the sample and the general population. Seroprevalence estimates were compared to notified COVID-19 cases. The overall adjusted SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence remained below 2% until December 2020 and increased to 18.1% in April 2021, 89.4% in September 2021, and to 100% in April/May 2022. Neutralising capacity was found in 74% of all positive specimens until April 2021 and in 98% in April/May 2022. Our serosurveillance allowed for repeated estimations of underreporting from the early stage of the pandemic onwards. Underreporting ranged between factors 5.1 and 1.1 in the first two waves of the pandemic and remained well below 2 afterwards, indicating an adequate test strategy and notification system in Germany.

Carotid Intima-Media Thickness Percentiles in Adolescence and Young Adulthood and Their Association With Obesity and Hypertensive Blood Pressure in a Population Cohort.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to derive carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) percentiles from a population-based sample of adolescents and young adults using improved technology, standardization and quality control, and to investigate the association of CIMT with hypertensive blood pressure (BP) and obesity. METHODS: Four thousand seven hundred nine 14- to 28-year-old participants of the German KiGGS cohort 11-year follow-up, which was based on a nationwide population sample, had B-mode ultrasound CIMT measurement with semi-automated edge-detection and automatic ECG-gated real-time quality control. CIMT percentiles were estimated from far wall CIMT during 2 to 6 heart cycles using the GAMLSS statistical model. Hypertensive BP, overweight, obesity, and a risk score from added Z scores of triglycerides, total/HDL (high-density lipoprotein)-cholesterol ratio, and glycated hemoglobin were based on standardized measurements at baseline and follow-up. RESULTS: CIMT differed by sex at all ages, furthermore by age and height in a nonlinear fashion. Percentiles were estimated simultaneously by age and height. Hypertensive BP and obesity were associated cross-sectionally and longitudinally with a higher risk of CIMT ≥75th percentile in log-binomial regression models adjusted for age, sex, height, current smoking, and cardiovascular risk score. For CIMT ≥90th percentile, the relative risk effect estimates were consistently >1 but often had large confidence intervals including 1, largest adjusted relative risk 3.37 (95% CI, 1.41-8.04) for the combination of hypertensive BP and obesity at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Based on state-of-the-art measurements and statistical techniques, these population-based CIMT percentiles by sex, age and height add unbiased evidence for the association of subclinical atherosclerosis with hypertensive BP and obesity in the young.

Blood pressure and resting heart rate in 3-17-year-olds in Germany in 2003-2006 and 2014-2017.

To track blood pressure (BP) and resting heart rate (RHR) in children and adolescents is important due to its associations with cardiovascular outcomes in the adulthood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine BP and RHR over a decade among children and adolescents living in Germany using national examination data. Cross-sectional data from 3- to 17-year-old national survey participants (KiGGS 2003-06, n = 14,701; KiGGS 2014-17, n = 3509) including standardized oscillometric BP and RHR were used for age- and sex-standardized analysis. Measurement protocols were identical with the exception of the cuff selection rule, which was accounted for in the analyses. Different BP and RHR trends were observed according to age-groups. In 3- to 6-year-olds adjusted mean SBP and DBP were significantly higher in 2014-2017 compared to 2003-2006 (+2.4 and +1.9 mm Hg, respectively), while RHR was statistically significantly lower by -3.8 bpm. No significant changes in BP or in RHR were observed in 7- to 10-year-olds over time. In 11- to 13-year-olds as well as in 14- to 17-year-olds lower BP has been observed (SBP -2.4 and -3.2 mm Hg, respectively, and DBP -1.8 and -1.7 mm Hg), while RHR was significantly higher (+2.7 and +3.7 bpm). BP trends did not parallel RHR trends. The downward BP trend in adolescents seemed to follow decreasing adult BP trends in middle and high-income countries. The increase in BP in younger children needs confirmation from other studies as well as further investigation. In school-aged children and adolescents, the increased RHR trend may indicate decreased physical fitness.

Serology- and PCR-based cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults in a successfully contained early hotspot (CoMoLo study), Germany, May to June 2020.

Three months after a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Kupferzell, Germany, a population-based study (n = 2,203) found no RT-PCR-positives. IgG-ELISA seropositivity with positive virus neutralisation tests was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.5-9.1) and 4.3% with negative neutralisation tests. We estimate 12.0% (95% CI: 10.4-14.0%) infected adults (24.5% asymptomatic), six times more than notified. Full hotspot containment confirms the effectiveness of prompt protection measures. However, 88% naïve adults are still at high COVID-19 risk.

Impact of sex and gender on COVID-19 outcomes in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence from China suggests that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is deadlier for infected men than women with a 2.8% fatality rate being reported in Chinese men versus 1.7% in women. Further, sex-disaggregated data for COVID-19 in several European countries show a similar number of cases between the sexes, but more severe outcomes in aged men. Case fatality is highest in men with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions. The mechanisms accounting for the reduced case fatality rate in women are currently unclear but may offer potential to develop novel risk stratification tools and therapeutic options for women and men. CONTENT: The present review summarizes latest clinical and epidemiological evidence for gender and sex differences in COVID-19 from Europe and China. We discuss potential sex-specific mechanisms modulating the course of disease, such as hormone-regulated expression of genes encoding for the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) entry receptors angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 receptor and TMPRSS2 as well as sex hormone-driven innate and adaptive immune responses and immunoaging. Finally, we elucidate the impact of gender-specific lifestyle, health behavior, psychological stress, and socioeconomic conditions on COVID-19 and discuss sex specific aspects of antiviral therapies. CONCLUSION: The sex and gender disparities observed in COVID-19 vulnerability emphasize the need to better understand the impact of sex and gender on incidence and case fatality of the disease and to tailor treatment according to sex and gender. The ongoing and planned prophylactic and therapeutic treatment studies must include prospective sex- and gender-sensitive analyses.

An unambiguous definition of pediatric hypotension is still lacking: Gaps between two percentile-based definitions and Pediatric Advanced Life Support/Advanced Trauma Life Support guidelines.

BACKGROUND: Data are lacking to provide cutoffs for hypotension in children based on outcome studies and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) definitions are based on normal populations. The goal of this study was to compare different normal population based cutoffs including fifth percentile of systolic blood pressure (P5-SBP) in children and adolescents from the German Health Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), US population data (Fourth Report), and cutoffs from PALS and ATLS guidelines. METHODS: Fifth percentile of systolic blood pressure according to age, sex, and height was modeled based on standardized resting oscillometric BP measurements (12,199 children aged 3-17 years) from KiGGS 2003-2006. In addition, we applied the age-adjusted pediatric shock index in the KiGGS study. RESULTS: The KiGGS P5-SBP was on average 7 mm Hg higher than Fourth Report P5-SBP (5-10 mm Hg depending on age-sex group). For children aged 3 to 9 years, KIGGS P5-SBP at median height follows the formula 82 mm Hg + age; for age 10 to 17 years, the increase was not linear and is presented in a simplified table. Pediatric Advanced Life Support/ATLS thresholds were between KiGGS and Fourth Report until age of 11 years. The adult threshold of 90 mm Hg was reached by KiGGS P5-SBP median height at 8 years, PALS/ATLS at age of 10 years, and Fourth Report P5-SBP at 12 years. The pediatric shock index, which is supposed to identify severely injured children, was exceeded by 2.3% nonacutely ill KiGGS participants. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that percentile cutoffs vary by reference population. The 90 mm Hg cutoff for adolescents targets only those in the less than 1% of the low SBP range and represents an undertriage compared with P5 at younger ages according to both KiGGS and Fourth Report. Finally, current pediatric shock index cutoffs when applied to a healthy cohort lead to a relevant percentage of false positives. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Epidemiologic/prognostic, level III.

Tracking of Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents in Germany in the Context of Risk Factors for Hypertension.

Blood pressure (BP) tracking from childhood to adulthood has two aspects: the ranking stability relative to others over time and the prediction of future values. This study investigates BP tracking in children and adolescents in Germany in the context of hypertension risk factors. BP was measured and analyzed in 2542 participants of the German Health Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (t0 2003-2006; 3 to 17-year olds) and of a six year follow-up "Motorik Modul" (t1 2009-2012; 9 to 24-year olds). BP tracking coefficients were calculated from Spearman's rank-order correlations. Predictive values and logistic regression models were used to forecast t1-BP above the hypertension threshold from t0-BP as well as from baseline and follow-up hypertension risk factors. BP tracking was moderate (0.33-0.50 for SBP and 0.19-0.39 for DBP) with no statistically significant differences between sex and age groups. Baseline hypertensive BP was the strongest independent predictor of hypertensive BP at follow-up (OR 4.3 and 3.4 for age groups 3-10 and 11-17 years) after adjusting for sex, BMI trajectories, birthweight, parental hypertension, and age-group dependent-sports/physical activity. However, the positive predictive value of baseline hypertensive BP for hypertensive BP at follow-up in 3- to 10-year olds was only 39% (34% in 11- to 17-year olds) and increased only moderately in the presence of additional risk factors. Our analysis with population-based data from Germany shows that BP in children and adolescents tracks only moderately over six years. BP in childhood is the strongest independent predictor of future BP but its predictive value is limited.

Diet-independent relevance of serum uric acid for blood pressure in a representative population sample.

A direct relationship between serum uric acid and blood pressure (BP) has been reported, but the possible confounding impact of diet on this association is unclear. The authors performed a cross-sectional analysis in the representative German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults (n=6788, aged 18-79 years). In adjusted regression models considering dietary factors, each 1-mg/dL higher uric acid value was associated with a 1.10-mm Hg (P=.0002) and a 0.60-mm Hg (P=.04) higher systolic BP among participants younger than 50 years and participants 50 years and older, respectively. For diastolic BP, uric acid was a significant predictor (ß=0.71 mm Hg, P=.0001) among participants younger than 50 years and for participants 50 years and older without antihypertensive treatment. Adjusted odds ratios of hypertension for participants with hyperuricemia were broadly similar in younger (odds ratio, 1.71; P=.02) and older (odds ratio, 1.81; P=.0003) participants. Uric acid is a significant predictor of systolic BP and hypertension prevalence in the general adult population in Germany independently of several known dietary BP influences.

Resting Heart Rate Percentiles and Associated Factors in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To present population-based resting heart rate (RHR) percentiles and associated factors in children and adolescents. STUDY DESIGN: Standardized RHR measurements with an oscillometric device were obtained from 3- to 17-year-olds who participated in the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (n = 11 986). Age- and sex-specific RHR percentiles were derived using flexible age-dependent modeling. Linear regression was used to test associations of RHR and associated factors. RESULTS: RHR decreased with age and mean RHR was on average 3.0 beats per minute (bpm) higher in girls than in boys (P < .01). The 95th RHR-KiGGS-percentile (P95) in boys and girls are up to 10 bpm lower than P95 based on pooled heterogeneous international studies and more similar to percentiles based on population data from NHANES (higher or lower by ≤5 bpm, depending on age). Factors independently associated with RHR in both sexes were age, SBP and height in children aged 3-10 years; and age, systolic blood pressure, and high aerobic fitness in adolescents aged 11-17 years. In girls, we further found an association between RHR and underweight (OR 3.3 and 4.7 for underweight girls aged 3-10 and 11-17, respectively, compared with normal weight girls). Associations between RHR and aerobic fitness, physical activity, and media use were stronger in boys than in girls. CONCLUSION: This study provides population-based RHR percentiles and evidence for sex-dependent associations of cardiovascular risk factors with RHR in children and adolescents, many of which are lifestyle related.

Regional Differences in the Prevalence of Cardiovascular Disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease continues to be the single most common cause of death and to account for the largest single portion of treatment costs in Germany. Reliable data on regional differences in the frequency of cardio - vascular disease are important for the planning of targeted care structures and preventive measures. METHODS: Pooled data from the German Health Update (GEDA), a nationwide telephone health survey conducted in 2009, 2010 and 2012 (n = 62 214) were used to estimate the lifetime prevalence of major cardiovascular disease (self-reported medical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, other coronary heart disease, stroke, or congestive heart failure) in each of the German federal states. The influence of sociodemographic factors on regional prevalence differences was examined in adjusted logistic regression analyses. Prevalences were compared with mortality rates from cardiovascular disease that were obtained from cause-of-death statistics. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of cardiovascular disease in Germany ranged from 10.0% in Baden-W¨rttemberg to 15.8% in Saxony-Anhalt. After adjustment for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and size of the communities of residence, nine of the other 15 states had significantly higher prevalences than Baden-W¨rttemberg, with odds ratios ranging from 1.26 (Hesse) to 1.55 (Saxony-Anhalt). Four of the five states that previously constituted the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) had above-average figures for prevalence and mortality. CONCLUSION: There are relevant differences among the German federal states in the lifetime prevalence of major cardiovascular disease, which are only partly accounted for by differences in age and sex distribution, socioeconomic status, and community size.

Time Trends in Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Adults.

BACKGROUND: Data from three representative health examination surveys in Germany were analyzed to examine secular trends in the prevalence and magnitude of cardiometabolic risk factors. METHODS: The target variables were the following cardiometabolic risk factors: lack of exercise, smoking, obesity, systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, serum glucose, self-reported high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes, and the use of antihypertensive, cholesterol-lowering, and antidiabetic drugs. 9347 data sets from men and 10 068 from women were analyzed. The calculated means and prevalences were standardized to the age structure of the German population as of 31 December 2010 and compared across the three time periods of the surveys: 1990-1992, 1997-1999, and 2008-11. RESULTS: Over the entire period of observation (1990-2011), the mean systolic blood pressure fell from 137 to 128 mmHg in men and from 132 to 120 mmHg in women; the mean serum glucose concentration fell from 5.6 to 5.3 mmol/L in men and from 5.4 to 5.0 mmol/l in women; and the mean total cholesterol level fell from 6.2 to 5.3 mmol/L in both sexes. In men, smoking and lack of exercise became less common. On the other hand, the prevalence of use of antidiabetic, cholesterol-lowering, and antihypertensive drugs rose over the same time period, as did that of self-reported diabetes. The first of the three surveys (1990-1992) revealed differences between persons residing in the former East and West Germany in most of the health variables studied; these differences became less marked over time, up to the last survey in 2008-2011. CONCLUSION: The cardiometabolic risk profile of the German adult population as a whole improved over a period of 20 years. Further in-depth analyses are now planned.

Untreated, Uncontrolled, and Apparent Resistant Hypertension: Results of the German Health Examination Survey 2008-2011.

The prevalence and associated factors of untreated, uncontrolled, and apparent-resistant hypertension (RH) in Germany are unknown. Based on European Society of Hypertension criteria, apparent RH was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥140/90 mm Hg (≥140/85 mm Hg in diabetics) under treatment with three different classes of antihypertensive agents including a diuretic. Data from the German Health Examination Survey (2008-2011; n=7115, age 18-79 years) including standardized BP measurements and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical-coded taken medications were analyzed. Among patients aware of their hypertensive status (n=2205), 37.9% were uncontrolled and, among those, 33.4% were untreated. Being aware and having untreated and uncontrolled BP was associated with male sex, young age, not having cardiovascular disease, not performing BP self-measurement, not being obese, and not smoking. Apparent RH occurred in 6.8% of treated aware hypertensive patients and was positively associated with having diabetes. The proportion of uncontrolled BP is still high. Not having "obvious risk factors" has become a risk itself for having untreated and uncontrolled hypertension.

The persisting gender gap in hypertension management and control in Germany: 1998 and 2008-2011.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity; therefore, its control is very important. International Guidelines recommend the same hypertension management in men and women; however, studies suggest that management of hypertension differs. This study explores gender-age disparities in the management and control of hypertension in Germany in 1998 and 2008-2011. Data from the German Health Examination Surveys (GNHIES98 1998, n=7124 and DEGS1 2008-2011, n=7988, age 18-79 years), including standardized blood pressure measurements and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical medication codes, were analyzed by gender and two age groups. For 1998 and 2008-2011 in Germany, the gender gap in hypertension management persisted without significant changes. Hypertensive men in 2008-2011 had lower awareness of their condition (78.3 vs. 86.8%), less treatment for hypertension (65.3 vs. 79.2%), less control of hypertension (45.4 vs. 57.5%) and less treatment among those aware of their condition (83.9 vs. 91.5%) than did women. These gender differences were greater in younger compared with older adults (18-54 years vs. 55-79 years). No gender differences were observed in control of hypertension among those treated in 1998; however, subsequent improvement was less in younger men compared with the other age-gender groups, leading to a new gender gap in 18-54-year olds (women 84.8%, men 63.9%). Younger women used more ß-blockers and less angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI) than younger men. Factors positively associated with control among those treated for hypertension in the younger group were being a woman, using ß-blockers or using ACEI, or angiotensin-receptor blockers. In the older group, diabetes was negatively associated with control of hypertension, whereas having cardiovascular comorbidities was positively associated. Gender disparities in hypertension management and control still exist in Germany but may be masked because they are age-dependent.

Establishing International Blood Pressure References Among Nonoverweight Children and Adolescents Aged 6 to 17 Years.

BACKGROUND: Several distributions of country-specific blood pressure (BP) percentiles by sex, age, and height for children and adolescents have been established worldwide. However, there are no globally unified BP references for defining elevated BP in children and adolescents, which limits international comparisons of the prevalence of pediatric elevated BP. We aimed to establish international BP references for children and adolescents by using 7 nationally representative data sets (China, India, Iran, Korea, Poland, Tunisia, and the United States). METHODS AND RESULTS: Data on BP for 52 636 nonoverweight children and adolescents aged 6 to 19 years were obtained from 7 large nationally representative cross-sectional surveys in China, India, Iran, Korea, Poland, Tunisia, and the United States. BP values were obtained with certified mercury sphygmomanometers in all 7 countries by using standard procedures for BP measurement. Smoothed BP percentiles (50th, 90th, 95th, and 99th) by age and height were estimated by using the Generalized Additive Model for Location Scale and Shape model. BP values were similar between males and females until the age of 13 years and were higher in males than females thereafter. In comparison with the BP levels of the 90th and 95th percentiles of the US Fourth Report at median height, systolic BP of the corresponding percentiles of these international references was lower, whereas diastolic BP was similar. CONCLUSIONS: These international BP references will be a useful tool for international comparison of the prevalence of elevated BP in children and adolescents and may help to identify hypertensive youths in diverse populations.

Trends in Antihypertensive Medication Use and Blood Pressure Control Among Adults With Hypertension in Germany.

BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality, therefore its control is of great importance. In this study we compare the use of antihypertensive medication among adults with hypertension in Germany 1998 and 2008-2011 and determine factors associated with use and control. METHODS: Data from German Health Examination Surveys (GNHIES98 1998, n = 7,124 and DEGS1 2008-2011 n = 7,988, age 18-79 years) including standardized blood pressure (BP) measurements and Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) medication codes were analyzed. RESULTS: The use of antihypertensive medication among adults with hypertension in Germany increased from 54% to 72% in 1 decade. In 2008-2011, 67% of users were treated with polytherapy. The most commonly used antihypertensive class in 1998 was diuretics (43%) and in 2008-2011 beta-blockers (54%). Ramipril and metoprolol are currently the most commonly used monotherapy agents, while ramipril in combination with hydrochlorothiazide is the most frequent polytherapy. Being a woman, older age, having statutory health insurance, diabetes, coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and obesity were positively associated with antihypertensive use. The control rate among treated increased from 42% to 72%. Young women (18-54 years) had better control compared to older women or to men. Having CHD or stroke was positively associated with BP control. CONCLUSIONS: Increased and improved antihypertensive use might be a main contributor to the decrease in BP observed in Germany in the last decade. However, there are still socio-demographic and health disparities in hypertension treatment and control.

Change in the association of body mass index and systolic blood pressure in Germany - national cross-sectional surveys 1998 and 2008-2011.

BACKGROUND: A recent weakening and even decoupling of the association of body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) in population data was reported, i. a. for Western Europe. METHODS: The association of BMI and SBP in recent cross-sectional population data from Germany was investigated in participants aged 18-79 years with BMI 17.5-40 kg/m(2) from national health examination surveys 1998 (n = 6,931) and 2008-2011 (n = 6,861) in Germany. The association was analyzed both in the overall samples and in participants without antihypertensive medication. RESULTS: From 1998 to 2008-11, age- and sex-standardized mean SBP decreased from 129.0 (CI 128.2-129.7) to 124.1 (123.5-124.6) mmHg in all participants and from 126.0 (125.4-126.7) to 122.3 (121.7-122.8) mmHg among persons not on antihypertensive medication. The proportion of persons treated with antihypertensives augmented from 19.2 % (17.7-20.8) to 25.3 % (24.0-26.6). Mean BMI remained constant at around 27 kg/m(2) with a slight increase in obesity prevalence. BMI was positively associated with SBP both in 1998 and 2008-11, yet the association tended to level out with increasing BMI suggesting a non-linear association. The strength of the BMI-SBP-association decreased over time in all and untreated men. In women, the association weakened in the overall sample, but remained similarly strong in untreated women. The unadjusted linear regression models were used to estimate the increase in SBP within 5-unit BMI increases. E. g. for men in 1998, SBP was higher by 7.0 mmHg for a BMI increase from 20 to 25 kg/m(2) and by 3.6 mmHg for BMI 30 to 35 kg/m(2). The corresponding values for 2008-11 were 3.8 mmHg and 1.7 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: The cross-sectional association of BMI and SBP decreased between 1998 and 2008-11 in Germany, however it did not disappear and it is in part explained by improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure.

Calibration of blood pressure data after replacement of the standard mercury sphygmomanometer by an oscillometric device and concurrent change of cuffs.

Oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement devices are increasingly replacing standard mercury sphygmomanometers and generalizability of validation studies to other environments, for example, national survey environments, is assumed. We compared BP measurements according to two highly standardized German national survey BP protocols: a standard mercury sphygmomanometer and an oscillometric device, Datascope Accutorr Plus, each with specific manufacturer-provided cuffs and cuff-selection rules. A sample of 105 adults were subjected to alternate same-arm BP measurements according to the principles of the International Protocol revision 2010 for the validation of BP-measuring devices in adults of the European Society of Hypertension. In all, 315 BP measurement pairs were obtained. The mean systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were higher by the standard mercury old protocol and increased with BP, age, and pulse pressure, and were associated with the ratios of the cuff width to the arm circumference. The mean systolic difference (datascope new protocol-standard mercury old protocol) in participants with old protocol: for SBP<120 was -3.5 ± 4.9 mmHg (n=162), for SBP 120-139 (n=108) was -6.4 ± 5.8 mmHg, and for SBP ≥ 140 (n=45) was -11.9 ± 7.2 mmHg. For DBP<80/80-89/≥ 90 in 230/67/18 participants, the differences were -1.9 ± 5.0/-6.8 ± 5.9/-7.6 ± 5.2 mmHg. A calibration formula for SBP derived from linear regression modeling includes SBP, sex, age, pulse pressure, and the difference in the cuff-width to arm-circumference ratios for the two devices (for DBP without age). Our study suggests that even in a highly standardized national survey environment, reported agreement from validation studies may not be replicable and comparisons in the specific clinical or research setting can be useful before replacing the mercury device completely.

Disagreement of the two oscillometric blood pressure measurement devices, Datascope Accutorr Plus and Omron HEM-705CP II, and bidirectional conversion of blood pressure values.

OBJECTIVE(S): Oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement devices frequently replace the standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Comparisons of oscillometric devices are rare, but their agreement is important to ensure comparability of BP data. This study aims to compare two oscillometric devices, Datascope Accutorr Plus and Omron HEM-705CP II, and to develop BP conversion models. METHODS: A sample of 109 adults aged 21-64 years were subjected to alternate same-arm BP measurements according to the International Protocol revision 2010 for the validation of BP measuring devices in adults of the European Society of Hypertension. RESULTS: A total of 327 BP measurement pairs were obtained. Datascope systolic blood pressure (SBP) pairs, in mmHg, were optimal (<120) for n=188, prehypertensive (120-139) for n=107, and hypertensive (≥140) for n=32 [diastolic blood pressure (DBP)<80 (n=261)/80-89 (n=57)/≥90 (n=9)]. The mean Omron values were higher and the difference increased with BP [mean differences, Omron minus Datascope, within BP ranges were (in mmHg): SBP 1.1±4.7, 3.0±5.5, and 9.3±6.7 and DBP 0.2±3.3, 2.3±3.4, and 5.1±3.9] and pulse pressure (>50 mmHg, SBP difference 5.6±6.3). The prevalence of hypertensive BP was 11% with Omron and 5% with Datascope. Bidirectional conversion models of SBP and DBP values include BP, pulse pressure, age, sex, and the difference in the ratio of cuff width to arm circumference. CONCLUSION: The disagreement in oscillometric devices can reach a magnitude that could be of interest for clinical and epidemiological contexts. Conversion formulas with BP, pulse pressure, sex, age, and the cuff width to arm circumference ratio may help to improve comparability.

Blood pressure percentiles by age and height from nonoverweight children and adolescents in Germany.

OBJECTIVES: To present oscillometric blood pressure (BP) references from German nonoverweight children and compare them with US references. METHODS: From children and adolescents, aged 3 to 17 years, from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS 2003-2006), we obtained standardized BP measurements by using an oscillometric device validated in children. Gender-specific systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP percentiles, which simultaneously accounted for age and height by use of advanced statistical methods, were derived from nonoverweight children to avoid overweight prevalence in the reference population influencing BP references. RESULTS: The age- and gender-specific 95th percentiles from nonoverweight children (n = 12 199) were lower by up to 3 mm Hg for SBP and up to 2 mm Hg for DBP compared with the total sample (N = 14 349). KiGGS percentiles from nonoverweight children accounting simultaneously for age and height were mostly lower than in the US reference sample but higher for SBP in boys aged 14 years or older. At median height, the age-specific differences in 95th percentiles of SBP ranged from -4 to 4 mm Hg in boys and -2 to 1 mm Hg in girls and, for DBP, from -6 to 2 mm Hg in boys and -5 to 2 mm Hg in girls. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with current US references, the proposed German BP reference values are not influenced by the prevalence of overweight children in the reference population, they are based on a validated oscillometric device, and they take advantage of improved statistical methods.

Vertigo: epidemiologic aspects.

Vertigo is a frequent symptom in the general population with a 12-month prevalence of 5% and an incidence of 1.4% in adults. Its prevalence rises with age and is about two to three times higher in women than in men. The epidemiology of vertigo and underlying specific vestibular disorders is still an underdeveloped field despite its usefulness for clinical decision making and its potential for improving patient care. In this article, the authors give an overview on the epidemiology of vertigo as a symptom and of four specific vestibular disorders: benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), vestibular migraine, Ménière's disease, and vestibular neuritis.