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NICU tool

Neonatal Blood Pressure Percentile Calculator

Benchmark systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures against the Starship neonatal percentile tables to support early identification of hypertension in critical care infants.

Input parameters

The reference dataset spans postconceptional ages 26-44 weeks. Values between published points are calculated using linear interpolation.

Use postmenstrual age if ex-utero.

Clinical pearls

  • Values at or above the 95th percentile warrant evaluation for neonatal hypertension.
  • The 99th percentile corresponds to severe hypertension thresholds in the Starship guideline.
  • Mean arterial pressure helps track perfusion goals alongside systolic and diastolic trends.

Percentile summary (mmHg)

Metric 50th percentile 95th percentile 99th percentile
Systolic - - -
Diastolic - - -
MAP - - -

Percentiles adapted from the Starship neonatal blood pressure guideline .

Visualise percentile curves

Enter a gestational age above to highlight the interpolated percentile values on each chart.

Interpreting neonatal blood pressure percentiles

Blood pressure measurement in neonates is influenced by gestational age, weight, and concurrent conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, renal disease, or steroid exposure. Using percentile charts derived from well-characterised cohorts helps teams distinguish physiologic maturation from pathologic hypertension.

When blood pressure values approach the 95th percentile, confirm readings with the appropriate cuff size, repeat measurements during quiet sleep, and review potential secondary causes including umbilical arterial catheter thrombosis, renal anomalies, or chronic lung disease.

Values at or beyond the 99th percentile should prompt escalation to neonatal specialists for detailed evaluation, targeted imaging, and early antihypertensive therapy guided by unit protocols.