Overview

Effect of High Blood Pressure and Antihypertensive Treatment on Brain Functioning in Children

Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2010-01-01
Target enrollment:
0
Participant gender:
All
Summary
High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects up to 10% of minority children and adolescents. Although complications of high blood pressure, such as stroke and heart attack, are uncommon in childhood, high blood pressure-related organ damage can occur at a young age. Studies with young adults have indicated that high blood pressure can affect the central nervous system, resulting in deficits in brain function. However, more research is necessary to confirm the association between neurocognitive deficits and high blood pressure in children and to determine if these deficits are reversible with treatment. This study will determine whether high blood pressure in children and adolescents has subtle effects on learning, attention, and concentration. The study will also determine the effect of an antihypertensive treatment plan, involving a combination of diet, weight loss, increased exercise, and if needed, blood pressure medication, on brain function in children and adolescents receiving treatment for high blood pressure.
Phase:
Phase 1
Accepts Healthy Volunteers?
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Rochester
Collaborator:
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

- English speaking

- No known learning disorder, disorders of cognitive function, treatment with
medications for attention deficit, or history of severe head injury (loss of
consciousness for more than 30 minutes)

- Casual blood pressure greater than or equal to 90th percentile for age, gender, and
height during clinic visit and on at least two other previous occasions

Exclusion Criteria:

- Secondary cause of high blood pressure

- Chronic disease

- History of treatment for elevated lead level

- History of maternal substance use during pregnancy

- Evidence of obstructive sleep apnea