Clinico-aetiological Profile of Neonatal Hypertension: An Observational Study

Introduction: The incidence of hypertension among neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is increasing. The reported incidence is between 0.2% and 3%. Blood Pressure (BP) among neonates varies considerably in the immediate postnatal period. The BP in neonates determined by birthweight, gestational age at birth and postnatal age. This variability in BP makes it challenging to diagnose neonatal hypertension. There is a paucity of Indian studies on neonatal hypertension. A systematic diagnostic evaluation of neonatal hypertension aids in early identification of the aetiology and further management. Aim: To assess the incidence of hypertension in neonates in the NICU and to evaluate the aetiology and clinical profile of neonatal hypertension. Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based prospective observational study done at Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India, between August 2016 and August 2021. A total of 29 neonates who had neonatal hypertension were included in the study after obtaining ethical committee clearance. All relevant data regarding demographic details, risk factors for hypertension, clinical features, probable aetiology, and relevant investigations were collected in a predesigned proforma. These neonates were followed- up once a month until six months of age. All the data were entered in Microsoft Excel version 2203 and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. The categorical variables were described as percentages. The numerical variables were compared using a Student’s t-test and a Chi-square test. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the present study, out of 13,345, a total of 29 (0.22%) neonates had hypertension. Hypertension was more prevalent among term (82.7%). Of the 29 neonates, 19 (65.5%) had an antenatal risk for hypertension. A total of 14 (48.3%) of neonates had an antenatally diagnosed renal and/or cardiac anomaly. The most common presentation of hypertension is asymptomatic. Thirteen (44.8%) neonates had transient hypertension, which resolved at the time of discharge, and 16 (55.2%) neonates had persistent hypertension, requiring antihypertensive medication and follow-up. The most common aetiology for hypertension was renal and renovascular causes (44.8%). Mortality in the present study was 10.3% (n=3). Conclusion: Hypertension is an uncommon yet important problem in the NICU. In the majority of neonates, the presentation of hypertension is asymptomatic. Most common aetiology of hypertension being renal cause. Neonates with persistent hypertension may require long-term antihypertensive treatment and regular follow-up.