摘要
Background and objective
<p>White coat effect (WCE) is one of the main bias that can affect office blood pressure (BP) measurement. Therefore, it is a factor must be considered in hypertensives to avoid mistakes in diagnosis and/or treatment. Employment of automated office BP (AOBP) devices could diminish that effect.Methods
<p>Two studies were designed with the objective of evaluating differences between routinely office and AOBP measurements. WCE was also assessed. First, the TRUE-ESP study included normotensive and hypertensive patients attending specialized consultations at Cardiology, Nephrology, Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Family Practice. Second, the TRUE-HTA study included hypertensives attending a protocoled Hypertension Unit, with a trained staff.Results
<p>TRUE-ESP study included 300 patients, 76%being hypertensives. A significant difference between office BP and AOBP measurement (SBP/DBP 9.8 卤 11.6/3.4 卤 7.9 mmHg, P < .001) was observed. Percentage of patients gathering WCE criteria was 27.7%. TRUE-HTA study included 101 hypertensive patients. A significant difference between office BP and AOBP measurement (SBP/DBP 5.7 卤 9.3/2.1 卤 5.3 mmHg, P < .001) and activity period-ABPM (SBP/DBP 8.5 卤 6.7/3.5 卤 2.5 mmHg, P < .001) was observed. Percentage of WCE patients was 32.1%.Conclusions
<p>Use of AOBP devices can contribute to decrease WCE and to improve accuracy of office BP measurement.
