Characteristics of the Hypertensive Pediatric Population of Northern Israel

ObjectivesThe overall prevalence of hypertension (HTN) among Israeli Jewish adolescents was reported to be 0.4% in males and 0.074% in females. The demographic characteristics of Northern Israeli population are unique, with a nearly equal distribution of Arab and Jewish ethnicity. We describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of pediatric hypertensive patients in northern Israel. DesignData was retrospectively collected from electronic medical records (EMR) of pediatric patients aged 0-18 diagnosed with HTN at Rambam Health Care Campus between 2010-2020. Demographic characteristics, etiology, end-organ damage (EOD), and medical treatment were collected and compared between specific subgroups. ResultsDuring the study period, 479 children diagnosed with HTN were included. Mean age at diagnosis was 9.6 years. 64% were males. BMI > 85th percentile was measured in 45%. 17% were diagnosed with primary HTN. Primary HTN was more prevalent (32%) in adolescents, the majority of Jewish ancestry. Obesity prevalence was significantly higher in primary HTN patients. EOD was more common in secondary HTN, Arab-Muslim origin, consanguinity, and younger age. At follow-up, 35.8% were without antihypertensive medications. Calcium channel blockers were the most frequently prescribed anti-hypertensives. ConclusionsHigher rates of secondary HTN than reported in the literature were attributed to high consanguinity and resulted in extensive diagnostic procedures across all age groups, unlike AAP guidelines recommendations. Better adherence to guideline recommendations was demonstrated in patients referred to the pediatric nephrology institute, highlighting the importance of referral of HTN patients to specialized clinics.