Can an automatic oscillometric device replace a mercury sphygmomanometer on blood pressure measurement? a systematic review and meta-analysis Objective: A mercury sphygmomanometer has been considered a gold standard for measuring blood pressure. However, by the Minamata Convention on Mercury, the traditional mercury sphygmomanometer is being replaced by an automated oscillometric device. This study aimed to provide scientific evidence to determine whether an automated oscillometric device can replace a mercury sphygmomanometer and if it is applicable in routine practice. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL were searched on 4 May 2018. Studies comparing blood pressure measurements between automated oscillometric devices and mercury sphygmomanometers were included. Study characteristics were abstracted using the evidence table, and random-effects meta-analyses were conducted. Results: Data were compiled from 24 studies comprising 47 759 subjects. The results of meta-analysis showed that automated oscillometric devices measured lower than mercury sphygmomanometers for both systolic blood pressure (mean differences −1.75 mmHg, 95% confidence intervals: −3.05 to −0.45, I2 = 91.0%) and diastolic blood pressure (mean differences −1.20 mmHg, 95% confidence intervals: −2.16 to −0.24, I2 = 95.0%). In sub-group analyses by manufacturer, BpTRU measured lower than the mercury sphygmomanometer and OMRON showed no difference compared to the mercury sphygmomanometer for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, but the results differed depending on the devices. Conclusion: As a result of this review, the difference in blood pressure between the mercury sphygmomanometer and the automated oscillometric device was within 5 mmHg, but the heterogeneity between the studies was very high. The automated oscillometric devices showed differences in blood pressure results according to the manufacturer and product type.

Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring parameters in obese children and adolescents with masked hypertension Objective We aimed to compare the demographic, laboratory, and ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) parameters of patients with masked hypertension (MHT), define factors predicting MHT, and determine the ABPM parameters affecting left ventricular mass index (LVMI) in obese youth. Methods Data of obese patients were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with ambulatory hypertension (AHT), white-coat hypertension (WCHT), MHT, or normotension (NT) were determined. Demographic and laboratory findings, office and ABPM measurements, blood pressure variability (BPV), and heart rate variability (HRV) were compared between the groups. The factors predicting MHT and the association between LVMI and ABPM, BPV/HRV parameters were analyzed. Results None of the 118 patients (M/F: 52/66) had WCHT. Three groups were formed: AHT (n: 60, 51%), MHT (n: 46, 39%), and NT (n: 12, 10%). Striae were significantly more frequent in AHT and MHT groups (P: 0.003). Cut-off levels for office BP measurements predicting MHT were 0.85 and 0.76 for systolic and diastolic BP (SBP and DBP) indexes, respectively. Most of the ABPM parameters of MHT group were as high as those of AHT group. On regression analysis, only daytime MAP had a positive (β: 0.340; P < 0.01) and diastolic dip (β: −0.204; P < 0.01) had a significantly negative association with LVMI. Conclusion Stria and cut-off levels for office SBP/DBP indexes, which were defined for the first time in this study, may determine the patients at risk of MHT. Although BPV or HRV had no relation to LVMI, daytime MAP and diastolic dip represented independent associations with LVMI.

Relationship between the fall in blood pressure in the standing position and diaphragmatic muscle thickness: proof of concept study Background The diaphragm is an important muscle of respiration, and regulates the intrathoracic pressure. Blood pressure is regulated by the baroreceptor reflex system, and is also affected by intrathoracic pressure. We examined the relationship between the diaphragmatic muscle thickness and the degree of drop in blood pressure in the standing position. Methods We prospectively studied 15 healthy subjects. The diaphragmatic muscle thickness was measured using a B-mode ultrasonic imaging device. The blood pressure before and after standing was measured by a head-up tilt test. Results The diastolic blood pressure difference during expiration and inspiration showed a significant correlation with the diaphragmatic muscle thickness (r = 0.578, P = 0.024 and r = 0.518, P = 0.048, respectively). Conclusion The diaphragmatic muscle thickness was related to the fall in diastolic blood pressure in the standing position. This indicates that adequate diaphragmatic muscle thickness helps to maintain intrathoracic pressure and prevents excessive drop in blood pressure in the standing position.

Large body mass index and waist circumference are associated with high blood pressure and impaired fasting glucose in young Chinese men Background: Obesity is closely related to many chronic diseases and metabolic risk factors. The present study examined the relationship of obesity-related indices to blood pressure (BP) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) among young Chinese men. Methods: A total of 1193 male college students aged 18–22 years participated in the study. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and FPG were measured. High BP was defined as SBP ≥140 mmHg and/or DBP ≥90 mmHg. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was defined as FPG ≥5.6 mmol/L. Results: BMI, WC and WHtR were positively correlated with BP and FPG (rBMI-SBP = 0.455, rBMI-DBP = 0.367, rBMI-FPG = 0.113, rWC-SBP = 0.445, rWC-DBP = 0.382, rWC-FPG = 0.115, rWHtR-SBP = 0.396, rWHtR-DBP = 0.302, rWHtR-FPG = 0.106, P all < 0.01). When categorized by BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight and obesity), the mean values of SBP, DBP, FPG and the prevalence of high BP and IFG increased with BMI, significant differences were observed among the four groups (P < 0.01). When categorized by WC and WHtR, similar differences were observed, with subjects in the large WC/WHtR group had a higher BP and FPG than their counterparts in the low WC/WHtR group (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Large BMI and WC/WHtR are associated with high BP and IFG. Our results suggested that prevention of obesity in youth may be an effective approach for preventing the development of diabetes and hypertension in the future.

Comparison of the effects of two different teaching methods in blood pressure measurement training: a randomized controlled study Objective: To compare the effects of a high-fidelity simulator and conventional teaching model used during blood pressure measurement training on students’ self-confidence, self-efficacy and anxiety levels. Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used. The study was conducted on 59 first-year nursing students of a university in Amasya, Turkey. ‘Self-Confidence Scale,’ ‘general Self-Efficacy Scale’ and ‘Beck Anxiety Scale’ were used to collect the data. A high-fidelity simulator used in blood pressure measurement training was applied to the experimental group, while the conventional method in which the students practice on their peers was applied to the control group. Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to determine the difference between the two groups’ average. Results: No statistically significant difference was found between students’ pre-test and post-test total scores of self-confidence, general self-efficacy and anxiety scales with the high-fidelity simulator and the conventional model (P > 0.05). A significant increase was noted in inner self-confidence and self-efficacy scores of the group working on the high-fidelity simulator (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The high-fidelity simulator was effective on the students’ increased levels of self-confidence and self-efficacy, whereas it was not effective on their anxiety levels. However, this study can also be conducted on a larger sample group using a variety of training methods.

Evaluating the performance of automated sphygmomanometers using a patient simulator Background and objective: Automated sphygmomanometers use the oscillometric method to measure blood pressure, which is based on an algorithm that relates the amplitude of the oscillometric waveform pulses and the pressure inside the cuff. Validation uses empirical information from clinical trials conducted by each manufacturer. Consequently, measurement algorithms are not harmonized, being based on distinct arterial waveforms, according to each group of volunteers of the clinical test. In the present study, a patient simulator was used to generate standardized, consistent oscillometric waveform pulses to test the algorithms used in six sphygmomanometers. Materials and methods: Six different upper arm and wrist-based automated sphygmomanometers were tested using a patient simulator comprising four different blood pressure levels, Psys/dia (mmHg): 80/50; 120/80; 150/100; 200/150. The devices were also submitted to conformity assessment. The variance of repeatable measurements was also analyzed. Results: All tested automated sphygmomanometers complied with metrological requirements, presenting results within the range of ±2 mmHg for static calibration. Systematic discrepancies, greater than 20 mmHg, were observed between sphygmomanometers’ results from upper arm and wrist-based models. Differences reaching 12.8 mmHg in diastolic pressure results were observed among upper arm devices. Conclusion: These results may have a clinical impact and indicate the need for a standardized algorithm, with a harmonized approach for validation. Moreover, the algorithm of the wrist-based devices is being affected by the use of the brachial artery waveform as reference for its validation, which also reveals that the current approach needs standardization, especially regarding the use of patient simulators.24299305

Simulator-based assessment of ankle arterial systolic blood pressure measurement skills Objective Learning basic vascular examination is a complex process. Very few studies have focused on the ability to measure the arterial systolic blood pressure at the ankle (ASBPa). The aim of this study was to objectively assess the effects of a 1-h practical educational intervention on the ability to measure ASBPa among medical students. Methods A total of 27 medical students were prospectively recruited. Two evaluation sessions of ASBPa measurement skills were conducted, before (T1) and after a 1-h practical lesson (T2). To assess the learning effect associated to the simulator-based evaluation, a control group composed by nonmedical students, not involved in the practical lesson, was also tested. Objective assessments of ASBPa measurements were performed by an instrumented leg prototype. Results There was a nonsignificant decreasing trend measurement time after practical lesson. The average pressure determination error (ΔP) was significantly reduced: ΔPT1: 10.5 ± 13.8 mmHg vs. ΔPT2: 5.7 ± 6.0 mmHg (P = 0.002). The mean deflation rate (DR) of the cuff was significantly decreased: DRT1: 12.9 ± 9.2 mmHg/s vs. DRT2: 8.7 ± 4.6 mmHg/s (P = 0.001). The control group did not show significant changes. Conclusion A 1-h practical learning could improve some parameters of the ASBPa measurement among medical students, but was not sufficient to allow the measured technical factors to reach established guidelines.

Comparison of a noninvasive 3D force sensor-based method and the invasive arterial cannula in postsurgery intensive care patients: a pilot study Improvement in sensing technologies is leading to new, accurate noninvasive monitoring devices. However, noninvasive continuous blood pressure (BP) monitoring still faces many challenges, such as: patient's movement, device accuracy and consistency. In this study, the accuracy of a novel noninvasive BP measuring system based on a three-axis force sensor is compared with the invasive arterial cannula taking 21 simultaneous measurements mostly on elderly, postsurgical participants. For the simultaneously recorded invasive and noninvasive signals, the similarity was high, the average correlation was 0.9001 ± 0.0588. The average differences (±SD) for simultaneously recorded systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures were: −9.53 ± 4.69, −0.26 ± 3.06 and 1.25 ± 2.26 mmHg, respectively. The results of diastolic and mean arterial pressure satisfy the criteria set by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation. These results suggest that this noninvasive system could be a useful tool in continuous noninvasive BP monitoring, but still requires development.

Validation of the YuWell YE680B upper-arm blood pressure monitor in adults according to the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 81060-2: 2013 standard Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of the YuWell YE680B oscillometric upper-arm blood pressure monitor for clinic and home blood pressure measurements in adults according to the American National Standards Institute/the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation/International Organization for Standardization (ANSI/AAMI/ISO) 81060-2:2013 standard. Method: Eighty-five subjects (male 46 and female 39) with a mean age of 44.6 years were recruited to fulfill the age, sex, blood pressure, and cuff distribution criteria of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO standard in the general population using the same arm sequential blood pressure measurement method. Two differently-sized cuffs were used for arm circumferences 22–32 cm (medium) and 22–45 cm (large), respectively, for the test device, and for arm circumferences ≤32 cm (standard) and >32 cm (large), respectively, for the mercury sphygmomanometer. Results: A total of 255 comparison pairs were obtained for analysis. For validation criterion 1, the mean ± SD of the differences between the test device and reference systolic/diastolic blood pressure readings was −2.2 ± 7.2/−3.9 ± 5.2 mmHg. For validation criterion 2, the SD of the averaged systolic/diastolic blood pressure differences between the test device and reference blood pressure per subject was 5.70/4.67 mmHg. Conclusion: The automated upper-arm blood pressure monitor YuWell YE680B has passed the requirements of the ANSI/AAMI/ISO81060-2:2013 standard, and hence can be recommended for blood pressure measurement in the general population.

Validation of Transtek TMB-1776 according to European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010 in adults In the present study, accuracy of Transtek TMB-1776 upper-arm blood pressure monitor in adult subjects was determined by comparing with a non-invasive (auscultatory) reference mercury sphygmomanometer, following the European Society of Hypertension International Protocol revision 2010 (ESH-IP 2010). All the validation requirement were reached: 74, 93, and 98 of systolic blood pressure measurements and 86, 97, and 99 of diastolic blood pressure measurements were within 5, 10, and 15 mmHg of absolute difference, respectively. The mean ± SD device-observer difference was −1.2 ± 4.9 mmHg for systolic blood pressure and −0.7 ± 3.5 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure. For systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure, respectively, 25 and 30 of subjects had at least two of their three difference within 5 mmHg, and three and zero subject showed no difference within 5 mmHg. In conclusion, Transtek TMB-1776 has passed all phases of ESH-IP 2010 and is suitable for self/home blood pressure measurement of adults.