Validation of A&D UA-778 blood pressure monitor in children.

OBJECTIVE

To validate the oscillometric blood pressure monitor UA-778 in children aged 4-15 years according to the British Hypertension Society protocol.

METHOD: In 85 children (38 boys, 47 girls), nine sequential readings were taken simultaneously by two trained observers alternating between the mercury sphygmomanometer and the test device. The last seven readings were analyzed according to the British Hypertension Society protocol. The American Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation criterion (mean difference +/- SD < 5 +/- 8 mmHg) was also applied.

RESULTS

The difference between UA-778 and mercury sphygmomanometer readings was 4.9 +/- 6.3 mmHg for systolic pressure and 2.4 +/- 5.9 mmHg for diastolic pressure. The proportions of device-observer blood pressure differences within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg were 50, 83, and 95% for systolic blood pressure and 70, 90, and 96% for diastolic pressure (B/A grade according to the British Hypertension Society protocol).

CONCLUSION

The oscillometric blood pressure monitor UA-778 seems to be an accurate device for blood pressure measurement in children and adolescents.