Multiple linear regression analyses using the Z-scores of BP as dependent variables demonstrated that when the

variables associated with SAH were evaluated together, Selleckchem JQ1 only the Z-score of BMI (p = 0.02) and age (p = 0.01) were significantly associated with the Z-score of SBP, whereas the independent predictors of DBP were Z-score of BMI (p = 0.03), male gender (p = 0.01), and family history of SAH (p = 0.01). These predictive models were able to explain 8% of the variability of Z-score of the SBP and 10% of the variability of Z-score of DBP. Multiple logistic regression using the presence or absence of high BP as the dependent variable, in turn, emphasized once again the important role of the presence of overweight (p < 0.001, OR = 6.4, 95% CI = 2.2 to 18.7) and family history of SAH, particularly maternal SAH (p = 0.008, OR = 4.9, 95% CI = 1.5 to 16.2) in determining risk of high BP in these children. SAH in children is a clinical condition that has been

unacknowledged until recently, and it is often overlooked in clinical practice. Currently, the impact of early diagnosis is indisputable, both for the possibility of identifying secondary causes, VE-821 ic50 as well as preventing its progression to adverse cardiovascular events. The public health problem is amplified due to the misconception by health professionals that this disease is rare in children, resulting in delayed diagnosis and lack of epidemiological data in most Brazilian cities. The estimated prevalence in this sample, 7% Bay 11-7085 of children with elevated BP, is significant and reinforces the idea that the disease is not as rare as previously thought. There are few studies in Brazil that evaluated this information based on the most recent criteria, established in 2004.14 Nevertheless, the available studies presented results that ranged from 2.7% to 13.8% in children aged 7 to 12 years, which is similar to that observed in the present study.11, 14, 15 and 16 The low frequency of previous measurements of BP in these children (21.7%) is noteworthy,

which probably results in underdiagnosis, as suggested by other authors.11, 17, 18 and 19 It is likely related to factors such as underdiagnosis in the clinical setting, as well as the methodological complexity required for its diagnosis.19 Regarding risk markers, the importance of factors such as the presence of overweight and family history of SAH is noteworthy, which demonstrated consistent association with the presence of high BP in these children in the different analyses. Although the identification of these markers may not be reproducible in other populations, and are far from explaining the complex etiopathogenesis of this disorder, it is important that health professionals are aware of their presence to identify children especially susceptible to the disease.