Is age a predictor for the development of hypertension in conservatively managed unilateral renal artery occlusion secondary to blunt abdominal trauma?

Abstract

ObjectiveTo present 2 cases with unilateral renal artery occlusion after blunt trauma conservatively treated and review, in the literature, the role of age as a prognostic factor for the development of hypertension. Material and methodsA 14 and 12 y/o male and female passengers, who were unrestrained in the back seat of a car, were involved in different motor vehicle accidents. Both remained in the seat and arrived at the Pediatric Emergency Department with normal vital signs. Computerized tomography scans showed unenhancing kidneys. Conservative management was advocated. ResultsAfter 38 and 36 months follow-up, respectively, normal renal function and arterial pressure. We found only 7 cases in the literature where age ≤16 was reported and treatment was conservative. Nine in total, hypertension developed in 2(22%). ConclusionsNo conclusion could be made with such a small sample. There is enough evidence in the literature supporting conservative management at all ages.