The Impact of Hypertension on the Central Nervous System
Neurological Disorders in Newborns, NOVA Publications , ss.225-232, 2025
- Yayın Türü: Kitapta Bölüm / Araştırma Kitabı
- Basım Tarihi: 2025
- Yayınevi: NOVA Publications
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.225-232
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Central nervous system, Neonatal hypertension, Neurodevelopmental outcomes
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Although hypertension (HTN) is observed in 1-2% of newborn infants, this prevalence increases markedly in cases of prematurity, low birth weight, and those requiring neonatal intensive care unit admission. HTN is a condition that can have serious consequences, particularly in its effects on the central nervous system (CNS). It can disrupt cerebral blood flow and autoregulatory mechanisms, causing neuroinflammation and permanent damage to brain structure and function. In premature infants, immature cerebral vasculature and inadequate autoregulatory mechanisms can lead to germinal matrix hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia and white matter damage. HTN is a significant contributor to endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling processes, largely due to the elevated cerebral vascular resistance and oxidative stress that it induces. These processes can result in increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, cerebral edema and neurodegenerative changes. HTN during critical periods of neonatal brain development can lead to permanent neurological complications, including hippocampal hypoplasia and damage to the corpus callosum, both of which have profound implications for long-term cognitive and motor function. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to limiting these potential neurological deficits. Limited long-term studies suggest that neonatal HTN usually resolves within six months. However, the limited number of studies examining the neurological effects of HTN in the neonatal population and the long-term outcomes of these effects highlights the need for further research in this field.