Determinants of Neonatal Blood Pressure

Blood pressure (BP) measurements have been increasingly used across neonatal intensive care units to determine and monitor hemodynamic status in neonates. A number of studies have attempted to derive normative blood pressure data in both preterm and term infants. However, this still remains a complex process, as several maternal and neonatal factors influence neonatal blood pressure. Maternal conditions, including hypertension and preeclampsia, seem to have some impact on neonatal BP, while maternal drugs, in particular antenatal steroids, seem to have a strong influence. Among the neonatal factors, gestational age, post-conceptual age and weight seem to have the strongest influence. The paucity of data on the short and long term effects of maternal conditions and medication on neonatal BP requires further research.