White Coat Hypertension Persistence in Children and Adolescents: The Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium Study.

OBJECTIVES: To determine whether youth with white coat hypertension on initial ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) continue to demonstrate the same pattern on repeat ABPM. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective longitudinal cohort study of patients referred for high blood pressure (BP) and diagnosed with white coat hypertension by ABPM who had follow-up ABPM 0.5-4.6 years later at 11 centers in the Pediatric Nephrology Research Consortium. We classified ABPM phenotype using the American Heart Association guidelines. At baseline, we classified those with hypertensive BP in the clinic as "stable white coat hypertension," and those with normal BP as "intermittent white coat hypertension." We used multivariable generalized linear mixed effect models to estimate the association of baseline characteristics with abnormal ABPM phenotype progression. RESULTS: Eighty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria (median age, 13.9 years; 78% male). Median interval time between ABPM measurements was 14 months. On follow-up ABPM, 61% progressed to an abnormal ABPM phenotype (23% ambulatory hypertension, 38% ambulatory prehypertension). Individuals age 12-17 years and those with stable white coat hypertension had greater proportions progressing to either prehypertension or ambulatory hypertension. In the multivariable models, baseline wake systolic BP index ≥0.9 was significantly associated with higher odds of progressing to ambulatory hypertension (OR 3.07, 95% CI 1.02-9.23). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of the patients with white coat hypertension progressed to an abnormal ABPM phenotype. This study supports the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Clinical Practice Guideline's recommendation for follow-up of ABPM in patients with white coat hypertension.

Changes in Ambulatory Blood Pressure Phenotype over Time in Children and Adolescents with Elevated Blood Pressures.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the stability of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) over time in children referred for evaluation of elevated BPs and assess for factors predicting change. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective chart review conducted at Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh identified 124 children referred for elevated BPs with 2 ABPM studies at least 6 months apart. All subjects received lifestyle counseling. Subjects with secondary hypertension (HTN) or on antihypertensive medication were excluded. ABPM phenotype was classified using American Heart Association guidelines as showing normal BP, prehypertension, and HTN. Generalized linear mixed effect regression models were used to regress stable, improving, or worsening HTN outcomes at study follow-up on baseline BP index and load variables. RESULTS: The median age of patients was 14.1 years (73% males) and the median interval between studies was 18 months. ABPM phenotype changed in 58 of 124 children, with 16% worsening and 31% improving. Older age was associated with persistence of HTN. Although not significant, decrease in body mass index z-score tracked with sustained normal ambulatory BPs. CONCLUSIONS: Although the sample size is small, our study suggests ABPM phenotype shows variability over time. Further study is required to identify factors supporting risk for progression of ABPM phenotype over time.