Renovascular hypertension accounts for up to what percentage of neonatal hypertension?

• A. 80-90%
• B. 10-20%
• C. 30-50%
• D. 60-70%

Answer: (A)

Renovascular factors are the predominant cause of hypertension in newborns. When renal perfusion drops because of renal artery injury, thrombosis, or stenosis—often related to perinatal events such as catheter-related trauma or hypoxic injury—the kidney responds by releasing renin. This activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, raising systemic blood pressure. Because these renal vascular injuries are a leading issue in the neonatal period, renovascular hypertension can account for a large portion of neonatal hypertension, described in sources as up to 80-90%. Other causes like parenchymal kidney disease or congenital anomalies exist but are less common in this age group, making renovascular etiologies the most prominent driver of neonatal hypertension.