Candesartan Cilexetil Effectively Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Children

Background:The angiotensin-receptor blocker candesartan cilexetil is a well-toleraled antihypertensive agent with demonstrated benefits in adults with hypertension. However, there are few data supporting its use in children with hypertension.Objective:To determine the efficacy and tolerability of candesartan cilexetil in the treatment of pediatric hypertension.Methods:In an open-label, uncontrolled pilot study, hypertensive pediatric patients were eligible tor participation if untreated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure (BP) exceeded the 95th percentile for sex, age, and height. Patients underwent a 7-day washout period prior to initiation of weight-based dosing of candesartan cilexetil (2-8 mg daily). The dose was doubled after 7 days of therapy if inadequate antihypertensive response was determined by clinic-measured casual BP monitoring (CBPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM). Three methods of BP measurement were compared before and after 2 weeks of treatment with the final dose of candesartan cile...