HYPERTENSIVE ENCEPHALOPATHY IN CHILDHOOD

Hypertensive encephalopathy is an uncommon but recognized complication of malignant hypertension in children. We reviewed the clinical cours e, laboratory studies, and outcomes of 12 patients with hypertensive e ncephalopathy seen at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics bet ween 1979 and 1994. The most common presenting symptoms were seizures, headache, and vision changes. Laboratory studies were nonspecific and in some patients were normal. Hypertensive encephalopathy is a clinic al diagnosis. Management consists of recognition of this syndrome and aggressive treatment of hypertension. The neurologic outcome in our se ries was good.