Central Blood Pressure and Pulse Wave Velocity in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Central Blood Pressure and Pulse Wave Velocity in Children With and Without Kidney Transplants

An observational cohort study will be conducted to non-invasively investigate central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity in children with kidney disease and controls. Using an oscillometric monitor, the investigators aim to non-invasively obtain the central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV), or arterial stiffness, of children with kidney disease. The investigators will also enroll age- and race-matched healthy controls and measure the same parameters for comparison. In addition, the investigators will measure PWV by standard arterial tonometry method in a subset of patients.

The specific aims of the study are as follows:

1. Using an oscillometric blood pressure monitor, the investigators aim to non-invasively obtain the central blood pressure and pulse wave velocity (PWV), or arterial stiffness, of children with kidney disease.
2. Measure oscillometric central blood pressure and PWV in age and race matched healthy children.
3. Measure PWV by standard arterial tonometry method in a subset of patients, and compare these measurements to the PWV measured using the oscillometric device.
4. Measure body composition of patients and controls (Body Mass Index, Waist-to-Height ratio, %body fat, and mid-arm muscle circumference) to see how this relates to central blood pressure and PWV.

Inclusion Criteria:

• kidney transplant recipients who are at least 6 months post-transplant
• healthy children matched for age sex and race

Exclusion Criteria:

• age less than 3 years