MO1021HYPERTENSION IN CHILDHOOD MINIMAL CHANGE DISEASE: IGNORED, MISSED OR UNDER-DIAGNOSED?

Abstract

Abstract Background and Aims Minimal change disease (MCD) is most common form of primary nephrotic syndrome (76.6% as per ISKDC) in children aged 1 to 10 years. As per current literature, blood pressure (BP) is usually normal in childhood MCD while in adults, 50% MCD cases are hypertensive. We hypothesized that hypertension is prevalent in childhood MCD also and most of cases are missed or under-diagnosed due to lack of BP monitoring, inappropriate BP cuff size (larger cuff will inaccurately show lower BP; cuff should cover 75% to 80% of arm circumference between antecubital fossa and axilla) or lack of knowledge about childhood hypertension criteria (systolic or diastolic BP> 95th percentile for age on ≥2 clinical visits at least 1 week apart). Method This cross-sectional study was performed from March 2018 to December 2020 at a tertiary care centre in India. Newly diagnosed and relapses of primary nephrotic syndrome (presumed MCD) in children aged 1 to 10 years were included in the study. All cases were subjected to careful BP monitoring and charting using appropriate BP cuff, while child is calm and relaxed, in quiet room with comfortable temperature and empty bladder. Three measurements were taken at 1 minute interals and taking average of last 2 measurements. Percentile charts for age and height were followed. Results fifty four cases of childhood MCD were studied. Thirty six cases (66.67%) were male. Mean age was 5.48 years (SD ±2.31). Thirty two cases (59.26%) were found to be hypertensive. Fourteen cases (43.75%) were relapses. Seven cases (21.87%) were steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome while three cases were steroid dependent. Five cases were already on calcineurin inhibitors when diagnosed of hypertension. There was family history of hypertension in 9 cases diagnosed of hypertension (p value 0.77). There was no correlation between occurrence of hypertension and degree of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia or body mass index. All hypertensives were managed with angiotensin receptor blockers and regularly followed-up. Conclusion Results of our study are contrary to traditional belief that hypertension is not common in childhood MCD. Significant number of cases are hypertensive. Correct BP measurement and interpretation is necessary in each childhood MCD case. Its occurrence is not correlated with family history or degree of proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia or body mass index.