Use of automatic device for blood pressure measurement in children between 4 e 13 years

Abstract

This study was performed to verify the reliability of blood pressure values obtained in children with an automatic device. The objectives were to determine blood pressure values in brachial and radial arteries in children using the auscultatory method and the correct cuff width and compare them to values obtained in the same arteries with an automatic device. The subjects were children hospitalized in a school hospital in São Paulo state. It was used the wrist digital monitor Tech Line WS-501. The sample was composed of children with arm or wrist girth between 14 and 17 cm, adequate to a 6 cm width cuff.  One hundred children were examined. The mean systolic values were 1.38 mmHg higher when the automatic device was used. Inversely, the mean diastolic values were 1.22 mmHg higher with the auscultatory method. Tech Line WS-501 was adequate to clinical use, both in arm and wrist.