If your child has kidney failure, two options for treatment include dialysis and kidney transplant. Whether or not your child is a good candidate for a kidney transplant, dialysis will most likely be necessary. In the Pediatric Dialysis Program at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, our multidisciplinary team of physicians and nurses are specially trained to provide comprehensive and compassionate family-centered care for children from newborn to college age with acute and chronic kidney failure.
Dialysis is a process that corrects the balance of fluids and chemicals in the body. It also removes waste from the body. Dialysis is needed because the kidneys are not functioning well enough to do the jobs on their own.
There are two types of dialysis
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal dialysis
While hemodialysis is more commonly used, peritoneal dialysis is an option for a child with a regular caregiver who is able to give the treatment at home. There are many differences between the two types of dialysis, with pros and cons to each. Our medical team can help you determine which one is best for your child and your family. Our team includes a pediatric nephrologist (kidney specialist), pediatric renal (kidney) dietitian, social worker and pediatric dialysis nurses.
For children with acute kidney failure hospitalized within the intensive care unit, we also offer Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy, which is a form of hemodialysis that can be performed continuously over a 24-hour period. This type of therapy is gentler and more closely replicates how the kidneys function. Because of the long time period, this therapy is well suited for children who cannot tolerate other types of dialysis. Our Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy program is one of the busiest in the country and has a dedicated nurse manager.
The Pediatric Outpatient Hemodialysis Dialysis Unit is a Member of Renal Network 11, one of 18 networks in the country established by the federal government to improve the quality of dialysis and kidney transplant services. The unit is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, and offers extended hours of operation to accommodate school-aged children.
Take the Next Step
Schedule an appointment or submit a referral by calling us at 734-936-4210.