Key result
The mercury-free auscultatory device measured similar systolic and diastolic blood pressures as the mercury sphygmomanometer, whereas the oscillometric device showed significant differences in diastolic blood pressure.
Why the study?
Because mercury sphygmomanometers are banned due to environmental concerns, the accuracy of mercury-free sphygmomanometers needed to be evaluated to guide device selection for the National Survey in children.
Do mercury-free auscultatory and oscillometric sphygmomanometers accurately measure blood pressure compared to a mercury sphygmomanometer in children aged 10-18 years?
Cross-Sectional (n=104)
Open-label
Randomized (measurement order)
No
Do mercury-free auscultatory and oscillometric sphygmomanometers accurately measure blood pressure compared to a mercury sphygmomanometer in children aged 10-18 years?
Effect estimate: SBP difference 0.88±3.36 mmHg (AD) and 0.43±5.83 mmHg (OD); DBP difference 0.63±3.95 mmHg (AD) and 4.57±6.89 mmHg (OD)
The mercury-free auscultatory device showed high correlation and agreement with the mercury sphygmomanometer, suggesting it is a suitable alternative for blood pressure measurement in children, whereas the oscillometric device significantly underestimated diastolic blood pressure.
Auscultatory mercury-free devices may replace MS for pediatric surveys; leaves open oscillometric accuracy for DBP and hypertension detection.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Blood pressure (BP) measurement using an auscultatory sphygmomanometer is recommended for diagnosing hypertension in children. As mercury sphygmomanometers (MSs) are banned owing to environmental concerns, it is crucial to determine the accuracy of mercury-free sphygmomanometers to replace them. We analyzed the accuracy of these devices to guide the National Survey selection. METHODS: BP was measured thrice each with MS, auscultatory device (AD), and oscillometric device (OD) in 104 participants aged 10-18 using the National Survey data. The difference in BP was defined as the difference between MS and other devices. The BP differences, correlations, and influencing factors were analyzed. The frequencies of hypertension were also compared. RESULTS: Systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DBP) differences between MS and AD were 0.88±3.36 mmHg and 0.63±3.95 mmHg, and those between MS and OD were 0.43±5.83 mmHg and 4.57±6.89 mmHg, respectively. The absolute error of <10 mmHg for DBP between MS and OD was 76%. The concordance correlation coefficient between MS and AD was 0.94 for SBP and 0.90 for DBP, and 0.81 and 0.67, respectively for MS and OD. Arm circumference negatively correlated with BP differences except for SBP between the MS and OD. The frequency of hypertension was not different between MS and AD but was underestimated by OD. CONCLUSIONS: AD correlated well with MS, while OD did not, especially for DBP. The superiority of AD over OD suggests AD as a possible alternative for MS in the National Survey.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Kim et al. (2024) conducted a cross-sectional in Hypertension (n=104). Mercury-free sphygmomanometers (auscultatory and oscillometric devices) vs. Mercury sphygmomanometer was evaluated on Difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between mercury and mercury-free devices (SBP difference 0.88±3.36 mmHg (AD) and 0.43±5.83 mmHg (OD); DBP difference 0.63±3.95 mmHg (AD) and 4.57±6.89 mmHg (OD)). The mercury-free auscultatory device measured similar systolic and diastolic blood pressures as the mercury sphygmomanometer, whereas the oscillometric device showed significant differences in diastolic blood pressure.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: