If your child is experiencing acute kidney (renal) failure, end-stage kidney
disease (ESKD), or acute toxin accumulation, treatment often involves
dialysis and it is important to receive care tailored to their unique needs.
Expert Care for Your Child’s Dialysis
At OU Health in Oklahoma City, you and your child gain access to Oklahoma’s
only health system with a dedicated dialysis unit for children, from newborns
to young adults.
The Pediatric Outpatient Dialysis Unit is a Member of
Health Services Advisory Group (HSAG) ESRD Network 13, one of 18 networks in the country established by the federal government
to improve the quality of dialysis and kidney transplant services.
Request an Appointment
Request an appointment at our pediatric specialties’ clinic for nephrology
Pediatric dialysis is a procedure for kids who have acute or chronic kidney
(renal) failure. During dialysis, a machine does the work of the kidneys,
removing excess fluids and waste in the body. Dialysis is needed because
the kidneys are not functioning well enough to do so on their own. There
are two types of dialysis that may be done on your child:
hemodialysis or
peritoneal dialysis (PD).
What is the Difference Between Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis?
The main differences between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are in
the method and unique advantages. Peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis
use two different methods to clean the blood. We recognize that each child's
needs and circumstances are different. Our specialized programs ensure
that every child receives the best possible care for their specific situation.
Together, you and our medical team will determine the best option for
your loved one.
Hospital-Based (Hemodialysis) Dialysis
We offer hospital-based hemodialysis as an outpatient service and is generally
performed three times per week. This program ensures that children receive
dialysis treatment with the full support of our hospital resources. This
includes access to our multidisciplinary team and the latest technology
to deliver effective treatment that is comfortable for your child.
During hemodialysis, the patient is connected to a dialysis machine and
by a few ounces of blood at a time are pumped through a filter, where
the blood is cleaned before it is returned to the body. The patient will
need an “access point” which is an opening in which the blood
is transported to the dialysis machine and then back into the patient’s
body. Options include:
A tube (catheter) inserted into a large blood vessel, often under their
collarbone or neck
An arteriovenous (AV) fistula where a surgeon connects two blood vessels
in the patients’ arm. This requires needles with tubes to be placed
into the fistula for dialysis. This option has a reduced risk of infection
Home-Based (Peritoneal) Dialysis
Understanding the importance of maintaining a healthy family life, we offer
peritoneal dialysis as an option for a child with a consistent caregiver
who is able to give the treatment at home. This method helps families
integrate treatment into their daily routines. Our dialysis team provides
comprehensive training for children and their parents or caregivers, empowering
them to confidently manage dialysis treatments at home.
Peritoneal dialysis works by using the lining of the belly, called the
peritoneum, as a filter. A soft tube (catheter) is used to fill the belly
with a cleansing liquid called dialysis solution. Waste and extra fluid
in the blood pass through the lining of the belly into the dialysis fluid.
The used dialysis fluid then drains out through the catheter and is thrown away.
What to Know About Our Dialysis Unit
Our six-bed dialysis unit is designed especially for kids. Our dialysis
nurses will do everything they can to make sure your child is comfortable
during their treatments to help keep your child comfortable and entertained.
Other amenities and services include:
Music and art therapy
Dedicated Child Life Specialist
A school teacher
Psychological services if needed
TV and DVD player on each treatment chair
Video game system and movies
Your Children’s Dialysis Care Team
Your expert team provides extensive guidance and psychological support
from diverse healthcare professionals, including nurses with pediatric-specific
training, dietitians,
pediatric pharmacists,
child psychologists, social workers, and
Child Life Specialists. Everyone works together to create an optimal multidisciplinary care plan
to achieve the best possible kidney health outcomes for your child’s
particular situation.
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