Malignant Hypertension:A Systemic Cardiovascular Disease: JACC Review Topic of the Week.

Malignant hypertension (MHT) is a hypertensive emergency with excessive blood pressure (BP) elevation and accelerated disease progression. MHT is characterized by acute microvascular damage and autoregulation failure affecting the retina, brain, heart, kidney, and vascular tree. BP must be lowered within hours to mitigate patient risk. Both absolute BP levels and the pace of BP rise determine risk of target-organ damage. Nonadherence to the antihypertensive regimen remains the most common cause for MHT, although antiangiogenic and immunosuppressant therapy can also trigger hypertensive emergencies. Depending on the clinical presentation, parenteral or oral therapy can be used to initiate BP lowering. Evidence-based outcome data are spotty or lacking in MHT. With effective treatment, the prognosis for MHT has improved; however, patients remain at high risk of adverse cardiovascular and kidney outcomes. In this review, we summarize current viewpoints on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and management of MHT; highlight research gaps; and propose strategies to improve outcomes.

Management of hypertensive crisis: British and Irish Hypertension Society Position document.

Patients with hypertensive emergencies, malignant hypertension and acute severe hypertension are managed heterogeneously in clinical practice. Initiating anti-hypertensive therapy and setting BP goal in acute settings requires important considerations which differ slightly across various diagnoses and clinical contexts. This position paper by British and Irish Hypertension Society, aims to provide clinicians a framework for diagnosing, evaluating, and managing patients with hypertensive crisis, based on the critical appraisal of available evidence and expert opinion.

Nephrosclerosis in young patients with malignant hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Nephrosclerosis is one of the histopathological consequences of severe or malignant hypertension (MH), some of the pathophysiology of which has been extrapolated from essential polygenetic arterial hypertension. Despite our recent description of unsuspected ciliopathies with MH, causes of MH in young patients with severe renal impairment are poorly understood. METHODS: To refine and better describe the MH phenotype, we studied clinical and prognostic factors in young patients receiving a kidney biopsy following their first episode of MH. Patients were identified retrospectively and prospectively from eight centres over a 35-year period (1985-2020). Keywords were used to retrospectively enrol patients irrespective of lesions found on renal biopsy. RESULTS: A total of 114 patients were included, 77 (67%) of whom were men, average age 34 years, 35% Caucasian and 34% African origin. An isolated clinical diagnosis of severe nephrosclerosis was suggested in only 52% of cases, with 24% primary glomerulopathies. Only 7% of patients had normal renal function at diagnosis, 25% required emergency dialysis and 21% were eventually transplanted. Mortality was 1% at the last follow-up. Independent prognostic factors significantly associated with renal prognosis (6-month dialysis) and predictive of end-stage renal disease were serum creatinine on admission {odds ratio [OR] 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.34-1.96], P < .001} and renal fibrosis >30% [OR 10.70 (95% CI 1.53-112.03), P = .03]. Astonishingly, the presence of any thrombotic microangiopathy lesion on renal biopsy was an independent, protective factor [OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.02-0.60), P = .01]. The histopathological hallmark of nephrosclerosis was found alone in only 52% of study patients, regardless of ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that kidney biopsy might be beneficial in young patients with MH.

Malignant Hypertension: Current Perspectives and Challenges.

Malignant hypertension is a hypertensive emergency, with rapid disease progression and poor prognosis. Although recognized as a separate entity more than a century ago, significant knowledge gaps remain about its pathogenesis and treatment. This narrative review summarizes current viewpoints, research gaps, and challenges with a view to pooling future efforts at improving treatment and prognosis.

[A study on malignant arterial hypertension: about 168 cases at the unit of nephrology-internal medecine of the University Hospital Center, Treichville, Abidjan]. / Hypertension artérielle maligne en milieu néphrologique à Abidjan: à propos de 168 cas colligés au Service de Néphrologie-Médecine Interne du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville.

INTRODUCTION: malignant arterial hypertension (MAH) is a nosologic disorder which has not been described in Nephrology. The purpose of this study was to describe the profile of patients with MAH in the Division of Nephrology and to identify prognostic factors. METHODS: we conducted a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study from January 2013 to December 2018 in the Unit of Nephrology of the University Hospital Center in Treichville. The diagnosis of MAH was retained in patients with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 130 mmHg, Keith Wegener grade III/IV hypertensive retinopathy, one or multiple visceral, cardiac and/or brain and/or renal diseases. RESULTS: we collected data from 168 patients. The average age of patients was 41.10 ± 14.86 years, with male predominance (sex ratio 1.54). Cardiovascular risk factors were AH (79.20%), alcohol (32.10%), tobacco (19.60%), chronic kidney disease (15.30%) and diabetes (11.30%). They were admitted with dyspnea (39.29%), hypertensive crisis (26.16%), consciousness disorders (10.12%). Clinical examination showed anemia (82.10%), lower limb edema (63.10%), acute pulmonary edema (37.50%). Arterial hypertension resulted in renal failure (95,9%), left ventricular hypertrophy (92.81%), stroke (16,67%), and cardiac and renal involvement (85%). Renal failure was chronic in 78% of cases. The causes of MAH were essential AH (56,8%), chronic glomerulonephritis (29.8%), and diabetes (6%). Outcome was favorable in 66,7% of cases and overall mortality rate was 25.6%. In multivariate analysis uremia ≥ 2g/l [OR=5,07; 95%CI = 2,39-10.75; p = 0.0001], hperkalaemia [OR = 3.50; 95% CI = 1.70 - 7.19; p = 0.001], hyponatremia [OR = 2.90; 95% CI= 1.40 - 6.03; p = 0.004], haemoglobin level < 12g/dl [OR=5,91; 95% CI=1,34-26,00; p=0,019] and end-stage renal disease [OR = 6.06; 95% CI = 2.04 - 18.18; p = 0.001] were factors associated with the occurrence of death. CONCLUSION: MAH is a consequence of poorly treated or untreated AH. It mainly affects young adults with multivisceral complications. In our Hospital, these were dominated by end-stage chronic renal disease. Hence the importance of early diagnosis and adequate management in patients with AH.

Retinal Arteriolar Occlusions and Exudative Retinal Detachments in Malignant Hypertension: More Than Meets the Eye.

BACKGROUND: Malignant hypertension is macrovascular and microvascular endothelial injury responsible for multiple organ damage. Considering the anatomical and functional homologies between the posterior pole of the eye and the kidney, ophthalmological explorations may inform clinicians on the mechanisms underpinning concurrent kidney injury in this condition. More specifically, we investigated whether the wall-to-lumen ratio (WLR) of retinal arterioles measured by adaptive optics ophthalmoscopy could be correlated to WLR of kidney arterioles as determined by pathology. We sought to estimate the incidence of retinal arteriole occlusion a supposedly uncommon complication of malignant hypertension. METHODS: All patients hospitalized in our renal Intensive Care Unit for malignant hypertension between 2016 and 2019 were referred to ophthalmological examinations. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were included. Median retinal WLR was 0.39 [0.31-0.47] and was correlated with initial systolic (r = 0.56, P = 0.003) and mean blood pressure (r = 0.46, P = 0.02) upon admission. The retinal WLR was not correlated to renal pathological findings, as assessed by juxtaglomerular WLR (r = 0.38, P = 0.2), ratio of glomerulosclerosis (r = -0.39, P = 0.2), or tubulointerstitial fibrosis (r = -0.45, P = 0.08). Retinal WLR was not associated with neurological or cardiovascular end-organ damage. Branch retinal artery occlusion was detected in 18.5% of patients and exudative retinal detachment (ERD) in 29.6% of patients, without any significant correlation with canonical signs of retinal hypertension including optic disc swelling. CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of malignant hypertension, we failed to demonstrate a significant relationship between WLR and other meaningful end-organ injuries. However, branch retinal artery occlusion and ERD may have been hitherto underestimated.

Subretinal Deposits in Pre-eclampsia and Malignant Hypertension: Implications for Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To describe the incidence of subretinal deposits that are similar in structure and stage on OCT imaging to subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in patients with hypertensive choroidopathy secondary to severe pre-eclampsia and malignant hypertension (MHT) and the implications of this ischemic choroidopathy for the pathophysiologic characteristics of SDDs in AMD. DESIGN: Retrospective cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-three pre-eclampsia patients and 25 MHT patients with serous retinal detachment (SRD) in at least 1 eye were included. METHODS: Serial multimodal images, including enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain OCT of eyes with hypertensive choroidopathy secondary to pre-eclampsia and MHT, were reviewed at 2 time points, the acute phase (within 4 weeks of initial hypertensive insult) and the recovery phase (beyond 4 weeks). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence of SDD-like lesions in patients with hypertensive choroidopathy secondary to pre-eclampsia and MHT. RESULTS: Subretinal drusenoid deposit-like lesions were observed exclusively in eyes with SRD. Serous retinal detachment occurred in 87.87% of eyes of pre-eclampsia patients and in 94% of eyes of MHT patients. Subretinal drusenoid deposit-like lesions occurred in 28.57% of all eyes with SRD, in 32.76% of eyes with SRD from the pre-eclampsia group, and in 23.40% of eyes with SRD from the MHT group. Vascular imaging suggested underlying choroidal ischemia in all patients (12 eyes) in which it was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal ischemia may be the underlying mechanism of SDD-like lesions in patients with pre-eclampsia and MHT choroidopathy. These findings potentially are of utmost importance in understanding the mechanism of the reticular macular disease subtype of AMD. Reticular macular disease is characterized by the known association of choroidal insufficiency and SDD, with choroidal insufficiency postulated, but not proven, to be causative. Pre-eclampsia and MHT choroidopathy seems to be a model for lesions similar to SDD in AMD developing based on choroidal insufficiency and, as such, may offer further insights into the pathoetiologic features of SDD in AMD.

Hypertensive Urgency in Tanzanian Adults: A 1-Year Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive urgency is associated with a high risk for cardiovascular events and mortality in the United States and Europe, but data from low-income countries and interventions to improve outcomes are lacking. METHODS: We conducted a 1-year prospective study of the prevalence and outcomes of hypertensive urgency (blood pressure (BP) ≥180 mm Hg/120 mm Hg without end-organ damage) in a busy outpatient clinic in Tanzania. RESULTS: Of 7,600 consecutive adult outpatients screened with 3 unattended automated BP measurements according to standard protocol, the prevalence of hypertensive crisis was 199/7,600 (2.6%) (BP ≥180 mm Hg/120 mm Hg) and the prevalence of hypertensive urgency was 164/7,600 (2.2%). Among 150 enrolled patients with hypertensive urgency, median age was 62 years (54-68), 101 (67.3%) were women, and 53 (35%) were either hospitalized or died within 1 year. In a multivariate model, the strongest predictor of hospitalization/death was self-reported medication adherence on a 3 question scale (hazard ratio: 0.06, P < 0.001); 90% of participants with poor adherence were hospitalized or died within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with hypertensive urgency in Africa are at high risk of poor outcomes. Clinicians can identify the patients at highest risk for poor outcomes with simple questions related treatment adherence. New interventions are needed to improve medication adherence in patients with hypertensive urgency.

[Malignant hypertension: A bright future]. / L'hypertension artérielle maligne , un futur prometteur.

Malignant hypertension has not disappeared, it has been forgotten. Its incidence is increasing again. It considerably worsens the prognosis of young patients (35 to 55 years old on average). There might be susceptibility factors, several hypotheses are under study. New diagnostic criteria and therapeutic options have been proposed and will have to be validated. Faced with these important challenges for patients, the first prospective multicentric register on this pathology will be set up in France in September 2019.

Severe and malignant hypertension are common in primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Malignant hypertension is listed among the causes of secondary thrombotic microangiopathy, but pathogenic mutations in complement genes have been reported in patients with hypertension-induced thrombotic microangiopathy. Here we investigated the frequency and severity of hypertension in 55 patients with primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS). A genetic analysis was performed in all patients, and funduscopic examination was performed in all the patients with Grades 2 and 3 hypertension. A cohort of 110 patients with malignant hypertension caused by diseases other than aHUS served as control. Thirty-six patients with aHUS presented Grade 2 or Grade 3 hypertension and funduscopic examination showed malignant hypertension in 19. Genetic abnormalities in complement were found in 19 patients (37% among patients with malignant hypertension). Plasmapheresis was performed in 46 patients and 26 received eculizumab. Renal and hematological responses were significantly lower after plasmapheresis (24%) than after eculizumab (81%). Renal survival was significantly higher in patients treated with eculizumab (85% at one, three and five years) compared to patients who did not receive this treatment (54%, 46% and 41%), respectively. Response to eculizumab was independent of hypertension severity and the presence of complement genetic abnormalities. Among patients with malignant hypertension caused by other diseases the prevalence of thrombotic microangiopathy was very low (5%). Thus, severe and malignant hypertension are common among patients with aHUS and eculizumab treatment leads to a higher renal survival when compared to plasmapheresis. However, thrombotic microangiopathy is uncommon among patients presenting with malignant hypertension caused by diseases other than aHUS.

Antihypertensive therapy prescribing patterns and correlates of blood pressure control among hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease.

We used electronic health records (EHRs) data from 5658 ambulatory chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with hypertension and prescribed antihypertensive therapy to examine antihypertensive drug prescribing patterns, blood pressure (BP) control, and risk factors for resistant hypertension (RHTN) in a real-world setting. Two-thirds of CKD patients and three-fourths of those with proteinuria were prescribed guideline-recommended renoprotective agents including an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB); however, one-third were not prescribed an ACEI or ARB. CKD patients, particularly those with stages 1-2 CKD, who were prescribed regimens including beta-blocker (BB) + diuretic or ACEI/ARB + BB + diuretic were more likely to have controlled BP (<140/90 mm Hg) compared to those prescribed other combinations. Risk factors for RHTN included African American race and major comorbidities. Clinicians may use these findings to tailor antihypertensive therapy to the needs of each patient, including providing CKD stage-specific treatment, and better identify CKD patients at risk of RHTN.

Predictors of 5-year outcomes in malignant phase hypertension: the West Birmingham Malignant Hypertension Registry.

OBJECTIVE: Malignant hypertension represents a high-risk condition and there are scarce data on current clinical patterns of this condition. The aim of the study is to identify the clinical and demographic factors associated with poor outcome. METHODS: The data collected from 1958 to May 2016 included a total of 351 patients whose 5-year survival status was known: 221 white Caucasians (63%, age 51 ±â€Š13 years, 64% male), 83 African-Caribbeans (24%, 45 ±â€Š11 years, 61% male), and 47 South Asians (13%, 42 ±â€Š11 years, 74% male). RESULTS: During the 5-year follow-up 119 (34%) patients suffered a primary outcome, defined as the composite endpoint of death or dialysis. The 5-year mortality ranged from 76% in patients diagnosed before 1967 to 7% in patients diagnosed between 1997 and 2006. The independent predictors of outcome were advanced age (vs. a reference group of < 40-year-old; P = 0.01 for age at presentation 51-60 years, P < 0.001 for age > 60 years), prior use of antihypertensive medications (P = 0.002), higher serum creatinine (P = 0.006), and proteinuria (P < 0.01). Also, white Caucasian (odds ratio12.02, 95% confidence interval 1.64-88.15, P = 0.01) and African-Caribbean (odds ratio 15.55, 95% confidence interval 2.06-117.29, P = 0.008) origins were associated with higher mortality vs. South Asians. The years of the diagnosis after 1977 were significantly associated with lower composite endpoint of death or dialysis, all P < 0.01. CONCLUSION: There has been a major improvement in 5-year survival in patients with malignant hypertension over recent decades. Abnormal renal function at presentation still predicts worse outcome. South Asian ethnicity is also associated with better outcome, although mechanisms involved are yet to be established.

Blood pressure management and guideline adherence in hypertensive emergencies and urgencies: A comparison between telemedically supported and conventional out-of-hospital care.

Prehospital hypertensive emergencies and urgencies are common, but evidence is lacking. Telemedically supported hypertensive emergencies and urgencies were prospectively collected (April 2014-March 2015) and compared retrospectively with a historical control group of on-scene physician care in the emergency medical service of Aachen, Germany. Blood pressure management and guideline adherence were evaluated. Telemedical (n=159) vs conventional (n=172) cases: blood pressure reductions of 35±24 mm Hg vs 44±23 mm Hg revealed a group effect adjusted for baseline differences (P=.0006). Blood pressure management in categories: no reduction 6 vs 0 (P=.0121); reduction ≤25% (recommended range) 113 vs 110 patients (P=.2356); reduction >25% to 30% 13 vs 29 (0.020); reduction >30% 12 vs 16 patients (P=.5608). The telemedical approach led to less pronounced blood pressure reductions and a tendency to improved guideline adherence. Telemedically guided antihypertensive care may be an alternative to conventional care especially for potentially underserved areas.

Blood Pressure and Visit-to-Visit Blood Pressure Variability Among Individuals With Primary Proteinuric Glomerulopathies.

Hypertension and blood pressure variability (BPV; SD and average real variability) in primary proteinuric glomerulopathies are not well described. Data were from 433 participants in the NEPTUNE (Nephrotic Syndrome Study Network). Hypertensive BP status was defined as previous history of hypertension or BP ≥140/90 mm Hg for adults/≥95th percentile for children at baseline. BPV was measured in participants with ≥3 visits in the first year. Two-hundred ninety-six adults (43 years [interquartile range, 32-57.8 years], 61.5% male) and 147 children (11 years [interquartile range, 5-14 years], 57.8% male) were evaluated. At baseline, 64.8% of adults and 46.9% of children were hypertensive. Histological diagnosis was associated with hypertensive status in adults (P=0.036). In adults, hypertensive status was associated with lower hazard of complete remission (hazard ratio, 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.19-0.68) and greater hazard of achieving the composite end point (end-stage renal disease or estimated glomerular filtration rate decline >40%; hazard ratio, 4.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-12). Greater systolic and diastolic SD and average real variability were also associated with greater hazard of reaching the composite end point in adults (all P<0.01). In children, greater BPV was an independent predictor of composite end point (determined by systolic SD and average real variability) and complete remission (determined by systolic and diastolic average real variability; all P<0.05). Hypertensive status was common among adults and children enrolled in NEPTUNE. Differences in hypertensive status prevalence, BPV, and treatment were found by age and histological diagnosis. In addition, hypertensive status and greater BPV were associated with poorer clinical outcomes.

Malignant Hypertension Revisited-Does This Still Exist?

Malignant or accelerated hypertension is the most severe form of hypertension, defined clinically by very high blood pressure (diastolic above 130 mm Hg) accompanied by bilateral retinal hemorrhages and/or exudates, with or without papilledema. The aim of this review is to discuss if malignant hypertension still poses a clinically relevant entity and to highlight the diagnostic challenges of this form of hypertension. The substantial improvement in prognosis in patients with malignant hypertension over the last decades is well documented, but there is no strong evidence to suggest a significant change in its incidence. In fact, with the growing population and improving life expectancy, malignant hypertension is likely to become even more prevalent worldwide, especially in the developing countries with less advanced health care services. Despite simple diagnostic criteria of malignant hypertension, the diagnoses may be difficult in many patients. Malignant hypertension patients often have the diagnosis established only when the target organ damage occur. Furthermore, retrospective diagnosis is problematic, as malignant hypertensive retinopathy gradually resolves over a relatively short period of time, while persistent target organ damage will, however, lead to the development of complications and much poorer prognosis than in nonmalignant hypertension patients. Certainly, malignant hypertension still poses a clinically relevant and challenging form of hypertension and its possibility should be always considered during the assessment of patients with poorly controlled hypertension.

[Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies]. / Urgencias y emergencias hipertensivas.

Hypertensive urgencies and emergencies are common situations in clinical practice. Hypertensive urgencies are characterized by acute elevation of blood pressure without target organ damage. Hypertensive emergencies are life-threatening situations characterized by acute elevation of blood pressure and target organ damage. The aims of blood pressure control, antihypertensive drugs to use and route of administration will depend on the presence or absence of target organ damage and individual patient characteristics. The correct diagnosis and treatment of these situations are essential for patient prognosis. © 2017 SEHLELHA. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Prevalencia y características de los pacientes con hipertensión arterial resistente y enfermedad renal crónica / Prevalence and characteristics of patients with resistant hypertension and chronic kidney disease

La hipertensión arterial (HTA) resistente en un problema frecuente en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). El descenso del filtrado glomerular (FGe) y el incremento en la albuminuria se asocian a HTA resistente, sin embargo, hay pocos estudios publicados sobre la prevalencia de esta entidad en los pacientes con ERC. Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de la HTA resistente en pacientes con diferentes grados de enfermedad renal y analizar sus características. Métodos: Se incluyó a 618 pacientes con HTA y ERC estadios I-IV, de los cuales 82 (13,3%) cumplían criterios de HTA resistente. Resultados: La prevalencia de HTA resistente se incrementó de forma significativa con la edad, el grado de ERC y la albuminuria. La prevalencia de HTA resistente fue del 3,2% en pacientes menores de 50 años, del 13,8% entre 50 y 79 años, y alcanzó el 17,8% en mayores de 80 años. En relación con la función renal, la prevalencia fue del 4, del 15,8 y del 18,1%, en pacientes con filtrado glomerular estimado (FGe) de>60, de 30-59 y de <30ml/min/1,73 m2, respectivamente y de 8,9, 15,9 y 22,5% para índice albúmina/creatinina urinario (UACR)<30, 30-299 y>300mg/g, respectivamente. En un modelo de regresión logística las características que se asociaron con la HTA resistente fueron la edad, el antecedente de enfermedad cardiovascular, el FGe, la albuminuria y la diabetes mellitus. El 47,5% de los pacientes con HTA resistente tenían la PA controlada (<140/90mmHg) con 4 o más fármacos antihipertensivos. Estos pacientes eran más jóvenes, con mejor función renal, menos albuminuria y recibían con más frecuencia antagonistas de la aldosterona. Conclusión: La prevalencia de HTA resistente aumenta con la edad, el grado de ERC y la albuminuria. Estrategias como el tratamiento con antagonistas de receptores de aldosterona se asocian con un mejor control tensional en este grupo de pacientes y disminuyen su prevalencia (AU)

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a common problem in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). A decline in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and increased albuminuria are associated with RH; however, there are few published studies about the prevalence of this entity in patients with CKD. Objective: To estimate the prevalence of RH in patients with different degrees of kidney disease and analyse the characteristics of this group of patients. Methods: A total of 618 patients with hypertension and CKD stagesI-IV were enrolled, of which 82 (13.3%) met the criteria for RH. Results: RH prevalence increased significantly with age, the degree of CKD and albuminuria. The prevalence of RH was 3.2% in patients under 50 years, 13.8% between 50-79 years and peaked at 17.8% in patients older than 80 years. Renal function prevalence was 4, 15.8 and 18.1% in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) of > 60, 30-59 and < 30ml/min/1.73 m2, respectively, and 8.9, 15.9 and 22.5% for a urine albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR) < 30, 30-299 and > 300mg/g respectively. In a logistic regression model, the characteristics associated with resistant hypertension were age, history of cardiovascular disease, GFR, albuminuria and diabetes mellitus. A total of 47.5% of patients with resistant hypertension had controlled BP (<140/90mmHg) with 4 or more antihypertensive drugs. These patients were younger, with better renal function, less albuminuria and received more aldosterone antagonists. Conclusion: RH prevalence increases with age, the degree of CKD and albuminuria. Strategies such as treatment with aldosterone receptor antagonists are associated with better blood pressure control in this group of patients, leading to reduced prevalence (AU)

[Clinical and etiological profile malignant hypertension in children in pediatric intensive care]. / Profil clinique et étiologique de l'hypertension artérielle maligne chez l'enfant en réanimation pédiatrique.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant hypertension (HTA), pediatrics, is unique by its clinical presentation, defined as severe hypertension accompanied by ischemic failure of one or more organs. METHODS-PATIENTS: Retroprospective study of cases of children admitted to pediatric intensive care. We chose a decline of 10 years from September 1994 to December 2004 for the first time, and from January 2005 to December 2015 for the second period; and we identified the cases presenting malignant hypertension (mHTA). RESULTS: Sixty-six patients were included, a prevalence of 0.6%. The age of patients ranged from 12months to 16years. The symptoms are related to the consequences of hypertension or condition in question. The most found signs are headache in more than 7%. Cerebrovascular event in 6%. A hypertensive convulsive encephalopathy 33.3% of patients. Renal disease is common, of varying severity. A fundus retinopathy was found in 47% stage 3, stage 4 in 51%. mHTA defined for the mean SBP values of 175mmHg and DBP average 112,5mmHg is often secondary to renal causes. The treatment is symptomatic with antihypertensive associated with the etiological treatment. Evolution is good out of 7 deaths. CONCLUSION: mHTA is a rare condition in the pediatric population. The clinical signs of functional rich under their impact on vital organs. The support must be early in intensive care.

From malignant hypertension to hypertension-MOD: a modern definition for an old but still dangerous emergency.

The prevalence of malignant hypertension has clearly fallen with the advent of anti-hypertensive medication but has remained stable over the past 30-40 years in spite of progress in diagnosis and management of hypertension. A diagnosis of malignant hypertension is usually based on the association of severely elevated blood pressure with a Keith and Wagener stage III or IV retinopathy. We believe that this definition can be reconsidered for several reasons. Although simple and pragmatic, this definition corresponds to a time when there were few techniques for assessment of hypertensive target organ involvement, and does not take into account involvement of kidney, brain and heart; whereas the overall prognosis largely depends on how much they are affected. On the contrary, the acute blood pressure level and especially diastolic should not be a hard diagnostic criterion as it does not itself constitute the prognosis of the condition. We propose to consider that malignant hypertension with retinopathy is only one of a number of possible presentation(s) of acute hypertension with multi organ damage (hypertension multi organ damage (MOD)) and that the recognition of these hypertensive emergencies, when retinopathy is lacking, be based on acute elevation of BP associated with impairment of at least three different target organs. The objective of a new and expanded definition is to facilitate recognition of these true emergencies. The condition is more common than usually perceived and would have a much worse prognosis than the usual forms of hypertension. Early recognition and management of hypertension-MOD are fundamental to any improvement in prognosis.