Should we target blood pressure in sepsis?

To review blood pressure targets and their implementation in sepsis.

Effects of {beta}-blocker selectivity on blood pressure variability and stroke: A systematic review

β-Blockers increase variability in systolic blood pressure (SBP), which probably explains their lesser effectiveness in preventing stroke vs myocardial infarction compared with other agents. This increase in variability in blood pressure (BP) may be particularly marked on non-cardioselective agents, potentially calling into question the widespread first-line use of propranolol in migraine with aura, elderly patients with essential tremor or anxiety, and other groups at risk of stroke.

Effects of antihypertensive-drug class on interindividual variation in blood pressure and risk of stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Unexplained differences between classes of antihypertensive drugs in their effectiveness in preventing stroke might be due to class effects on intraindividual variability in blood pressure. We did a systematic review to assess any such effects in randomised controlled trials.

Systolic blood pressure below 110 mmHg is associated with increased mortality in penetrating major trauma patients: Multicentre cohort study

Non-invasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement is a commonly used triaging tool for trauma patients. A SBP of <90mmHg has represented the threshold for hypotension for many years, but recent studies have suggested redefining hypotension at lower levels. We therefore examined the association between SBP and mortality in penetrating trauma patients.

Systolic blood pressure below 110 mm Hg is associated with increased mortality in blunt major trauma patients: multicentre cohort study

Non-invasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement is often used in triaging trauma patients. Traditionally, SBP< 90 mm Hg has represented the threshold for hypotension, but recent studies have suggested redefining hypotension as SBP < 110 mm Hg. This study aims to examine the association of SBP with mortality in blunt trauma patients.

Demographics of blood pressure and hypertension in children on renal replacement therapy in Europe

Hypertension is a well-known complication in children on renal replacement therapy and an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease in later life. In order to define the prevalence of and risk factors for hypertension among children, we enrolled 3337 pediatric patients from 15 countries in the ESPN/ERA-EDTA Registry of whom 464 were on hemodialysis, 851 on peritoneal dialysis, and 2023 had received a renal allograft. Hypertension was defined as either systolic or diastolic blood pressures in the 95th percentile or greater for age, height, and gender or use of antihypertensive medication. Analyses were adjusted for age, gender, duration, and modality of renal replacement therapy. In 10 countries in which information on the use of antihypertensive medication was available, hypertension was present in over two-thirds of hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or transplant patients. Blood pressure values above the 95th percentile were significantly more prevalent in very young patients (under 3 years) compared to 13- to 17-year olds (odds ratio 2.47), during the first year compared to over 5 years of renal replacement therapy (odds ratio 1.80), and in patients on hemodialysis compared to transplant recipients or those on peritoneal dialysis (odds ratios of 2.48 and 1.59, respectively). Over time, mean blood pressures decreased in both hemodialysis and transplant patients, but not in peritoneal dialysis patients. Hence, our findings highlight the extent of the problem of hypertension in children with end-stage renal disease in Europe.

Determinants of blood pressure in preschool children: the role of parental smoking

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Although accumulating evidence suggests tracking of blood pressure from childhood into adult life, there is little information regarding the relative contributions of genetic, prenatal, biological, behavioral, environmental, and social determinants to childhood blood pressure.

Assessment of three frequently used blood glucose monitoring devices in clinical routine

Self-monitoring of blood glucose plays an important role in the management of diabetes and has been shown to improve metabolic control. The use of blood glucose meters in clinical practice requires sufficient reliability to allow adequate treatment. Direct comparison of different blood glucose meters in clinical practice, independent of the manufactures is scarce. We, therefore, aimed to evaluate three frequently used blood glucose meters in daily clinical practice.

Reporting of consistency of blood pressure control in randomized controlled trials of antihypertensive drugs: a systematic review of 1372 trial reports

Hypertension is a powerful treatable risk factor for stroke. Reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of antihypertensive drugs rightly concentrate on clinical outcomes, but control of blood pressure (BP) during follow-up is also important, particularly given that inconsistent control is associated with a high risk of stroke and that antihypertensive drug classes differ in this regard.