Measurement of Blood Pressure in Children: Recommendations and Perceptions on Cuff Selection

Abstract

The Task Force and the Working Group recommendations on BP cuff selection need to be reviewed. A new multicenter study, using uniform criteria for cuff selection, may be necessary to establish the accuracy of the published nomogram on normal BP in children. More awareness is required on part of practitioners of the current recommendations on BP measurement and the definition of hypertension. Finally, the labeling of BP cuffs as infant, pediatric, small adult, adult, and large adult is misleading, and such designations should be eliminated. Cuff sizes should be standardized, indicate bladder size, and be uniformly color-coded for convenience.