Compared with the age-, height- and weight-matched controls, the children with a solitary kidney caused by URA had an elevated mean 24 h SBP. In contrast, those with UNX had mean 24 h blood pressure values similar to those of their controls. A rise in SBP was, however, seen in both groups during the daytime hours. Thus, the presence of a solitary kidney, for whatever reason, may be pathogenetically linked to a raised blood pressure, and this linkage may be more pronounced in URA. The delta increase in size of the remaining kidney may serve as a prognostic indicator of blood pressure elevation.

reduced during the first six months by non-closure of the defect. Presumably non-closure allows cerebrospinal fluid to escape from the open neural tube, postponing the development of hydrocephalus until epithelium has formed. As deferred shunt operations are associated with a better prognosis,4 nonclosure may in fact be advantageous, delaying the onset of ventriculitis until the child is immunologically more competent.Thus early closure has no advantage over non-closure with respect to mortality and the incidence of hydrocephalus and ventriculitis. Non

Diluting milk formula with tap water containing a high concentration of sodium will result in the infant being fed a high-salt diet. To equilibrate with breast milk, formula should be diluted with low-salt water. Blood pressure in the neonate is increased by a high sodium intake via drinking water.

Prehypertension is very common among Israeli adolescents. A substantial number of adolescents exhibit a BMI greater than normal. As both of these factors are known to be asssociated with increased cardiovascular risk, early institution of healthful lifestyle changes in a large proportion of this age group is recommended.

No abstract