Over 6% of children and adolescents with NF1 have hypertension, double that of the general population. Telehealth is increasingly desirable option for families, but the need for in-person BP measurement is a substantial barrier to this less-burdensome option. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of sending a BP monitor to the patient’s home to assess whether home BP was comparable to clinic BP. 

Fifty-two children and adolescents (range: 5.8-18.3 years) attending the NF clinic at the Royal Children’s Hospital were recruited. Each participant completed three clinic BPs and one BP with an automated device, then BP was measured once per day at home for three days. Daily Children’s Anxiety Meter Scale (CAM-S) and an end of study survey were completed. On study completion families posted the BP device back to the hospital. 

Results found home vs manual and home vs automated clinic SBPs were relatively similar (2.3±8.3mmHg (mean±SD), p=0.06 and 1.2±11.0mmHg, p=0.47). Of the 52 families recruited, 47/52 (90.4%) returned their device. This study found home BP monitoring was feasible, equivalent to clinic BPs, and not anxiety-producing for patients. Telehealth with a hospital-loaned home BP monitor is viable and preferable to in-person appointments.