P-621: Evaluation of the safety of short acting nifedipine in children with hypertension

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect on blood pressure (BP) and the incidence of adverse events associated with short acting nifedipine in children. We conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who received nifedipine between December 1994 and June 1998. We recor...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:American journal of hypertension 2001-04, Vol.14 (S1), p.238A-238A
Main Authors: Egger, David W., Sahney, Shobha, Perkin, Ronald M., Deming, Douglas D., Hamada, Norman
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
adverse effects
nifedipine
pediatric
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Summary:The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect on blood pressure (BP) and the incidence of adverse events associated with short acting nifedipine in children. We conducted a retrospective chart review of pediatric patients who received nifedipine between December 1994 and June 1998. We recorded the dose administered, all BP measurements upto six hours after the dose, and all adverse events. 1,746 doses of nifedipine in 166 pediatric patients were reviewed. Systolic BP decreased by a mean of 17%, and a maximum of 63%. Diastolic BP decreased by a mean of 28%, and a maximum of 89%. Adverse events included: a) change in neurologic status, six cases; b) symptomatic hypotension, two cases; c) oxygen desaturation, 16 cases. Neurologic events occurred in two of six (33%) patients with acute central nervous system (CNS) injury, and in only six of the entire 166 (3.6%) patients in the study. There was a significant correlation, but extremely low R value between nifedipine dose and % change in BP. Although short acting nifedipine can cause profound and unpredictable changes in blood pressure, it is rarely associated with adverse events in children. Short acting nifedipine is an important and effective oral antihypertensive agent which can be safely used for the treatment of hypertensive emergencies in children. We recommend that short acting nifedipine should always be used with caution, and should be avoided in children with acute CNS injury. (See Figure)
ISSN:0895-7061
1879-1905
1941-7225
DOI:10.1016/S0895-7061(01)01928-8