Cuff dimension for children and adolescents: a study in a northeastern Brazilian city

Thelma Leite De Araujo,Tahissa Frota Cavalcante,Marcos Venicíos De Oliveira Lopes,Emília Soares Chaves,Nirla Gomes Guedes,Rafaella Pessoa Moreira

doi:10.1590/s0104-11692008000500013

Thelma Leite De Araujo, Tahissa Frota Cavalcante + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/s0104-11692008000500013

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Abstract

The goal of this study was to measure the arm circumferences (AC) and appropriated cuff sizes for children and adolescents and to relate these dimensions to specific age ranges. This is a cross-sectional study, developed in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, with 596 people between 6 and 17 years old. The AC was measured at the midpoint between the olecranon and the acromion. The selected cuff width followed the recommended ratio of 40% the AC. The more suitable cuff sizes were 7x14 cm, 8x16 cm and 9x18 cm, at 19.8%, 26.5% and 25%, respectively. A statistically significant association between AC and age range was found in both genders, as well as between the cuff and the age range, showing that the 7x14 cm (38.9%) and 8x16 cm (29.6%) cuffs were more suitable for children, and 8x16 cm (23.7%) and 9x18 cm (36.1 %) cuffs were better for adolescents. Adequate cuffs were concluded to be different from the standard cuffs used for children and adolescents.

Highlights

The prevalence of hypertension in childhood and adolescence is not clearly defined
Even though hypertension in young individuals is more likely to have its origin in secondary causes, the prevalence of the primary form has been increasing in the younger age ranges[2]
Precision in the measurement of blood pressure has been a great challenge, characterized by attempts to reducing mistakes introduced by the observer or the client, who can present an increase in blood pressure levels due to the measurement procedures and the presence of the healthcare professional, because of the instruments used[4]

Summary

Introduction

The prevalence of hypertension in childhood and adolescence is not clearly defined. According to a specialized publication on hypertension[1], this disease is present in 2% to 13% of the child/adolescent population. Only very serious alterations in blood pressure were identified in children or adolescents, and the secondary causes were the most prevalent. The increased amount of hypertension cases in young people justifies the periodic measurement of blood pressure in children over three years old, and the inclusion of blood pressure verification as an integral part of the clinical appointment, with a view to preventing or minimizing the damaging effects of hypertension[3]. Precision in the measurement of blood pressure has been a great challenge, characterized by attempts to reducing mistakes introduced by the observer or the client, who can present an increase in blood pressure levels due to the measurement procedures and the presence of the healthcare professional, because of the instruments used[4]

Objectives

Methods

Results