Systemic Hypertension in Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Thirteen of 30 infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia demonstrated systolic blood pressure readings above 113 mm Hg on at least three separate occasions. In contrast, only one of 22 infants without BPD developed hypertension. The onset of hypertension often followed discharge from the nursery, was transient, and responded well to antihypertensive medication. Its significance is exemplified by the presence of left ventricular hypertrophy in three infants and a cerebrovascular accident in one child. We conclude that systemic hypertension is a significant problem in infants with BPD, and recommend close monitoring of blood pressure during their follow-up care.