The accuracy of blood pressure devices in paediatric renal outpatients

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study is to determine accuracy of aneroid and automated machines versus the mercury gold-standard in blood pressure (BP) determination. Childhood hypertension is an important condition that is most often secondary hypertension. The accurate measurement of BP is imperative. Methods 94 paediatric renal outpatients had BP taken in a random order with Welch Allyn aneroid, Dinamap Pro 100 and Omron HEM 907 manometers. The BP was compared to a mercury manometer. 2 observers obtained the manual device readings simultaneously but blindly to each other. Inter-device differences were used to validate the devices by two international standards. Results The aneroid manometer overestimates SBP and DBP. The Dinamap Pro 100 overestimates SBP and underestimates DBP. The Omron HEM 907 was accurate for SBP, but overestimates DBP. Conclusion Abnormal oscillatory BP readings need confirmation using manual methods. Further studies are needed to determine accuracy of the aneroid manometer.