Variability of blood pressure measured using an oscillometric method in children 4 to 48 months of age
Bérard, E.; Ratovo, L.; Teboul, M.; Albertini, M.; Boutte, P.; Mariani, R.
Archives Francaises de Pediatrie 46(9): 655-660
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9764 PMID: 2604524 Document Number: 330375
The usual method of measuring arterial blood pressure cannot be used in children less than 4 years of age because of lack of cooperation. We investigated variations of blood pressure measured during 20 minutes by an oscillometric method (Dinamap) in 100 children aged 4 to 48 months and tried to come up with some recommendations for measuring and interpreting blood pressure. Serial blood pressure recordings showed poor reproducibility due to movements which are impossible to avoid and which account for wide variations. Because of this variability, a single measurement is inadequate and must be repeated. The average of repeated recordings does not seem to be a reliable parameter. We suggest that the lower measured value (minima) as the only parameter allowing us to track the progressive increase in blood pressure with age. The data probably explain the large discrepancies between published studies taking into account the use of different methods.