Dialysis for children 

Learning your child needs dialysis can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. No matter where you are on your child’s journey, you can be confident our specialists are here to walk with you every step of the way – from preparing for your child’s first appointment to navigating each visit with confidence.  

Why choose CHoR for your child’s dialysis treatment?

As a parent, you want the best for your child. It’s that simple. At CHoR, you’ll find peace of mind with our experienced and compassionate team, ready to support your child – and your entire family – during each appointment. Here, we want your child and you to feel safe, comfortable and confident in the care we deliver. 

• Dialysis in a building designed just for kids! Dialysis often requires multiple visits per week and our Children’s Pavilion offers free, convenient parking and the right services to make clinic feel like home, including child life.  
• We also work with outside providers and train parents for home dialysis treatment, so your child can continue living daily life – including going to school and hanging out with friends. 
• We’re nationally ranked for nephrology care, which means we’re among the best in the country to entrust with your child’s dialysis. 
• We focus on patient and family-centered care. We know that your child and family feel best when you’re empowered and educated.   
• Our multidisciplinary clinics give you access to the experts – and answers – you need and want. 
• Your child deserves care tailored to them. We are dedicated to evaluating each kid we see, each family we support and creating a treatment plan that’s right for you – which, sometimes, may include home dialysis.  

Why do children need dialysis? 

Your child may need dialysis if their kidneys are not cleaning the blood – one of the many jobs of the kidneys. Typically, the kidneys take waste and water from blood (things your body doesn’t need) and turn it into urine. If your child has kidney failure from a short-term illness or condition or needs a kidney transplant, their kidneys may not be able to perform this important function. Dialysis may be able to help. 

What happens during dialysis? 

Before your child begins dialysis, it’s important to recognize there are two different types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. 

Hemodialysis for kids 

Your child will need to visit one of our outpatient clinics for hemodialysis. This type of dialysis cleans the blood with an artificial filter outside the body. A catheter is used to remove a safe amount of blood from the body to be cleaned before it’s returned to the body through another tube. Eventually, your child will need a permanent pathway for dialysis, which helps make the procedure more efficient – and reduces the number of needle sticks or IVs for your child. 

Typically, hemodialysis is given three times a week and can be done at home or at our clinic. Your child’s doctor will discuss what’s best for your child. 

Peritoneal dialysis for kids 

Ask any kid what they want, and they’ll probably give you an answer along the lines of being like their friends and peers. Peritoneal dialysis allows children to complete dialysis at home, without extra visits to our outpatient clinics. It works by using the stomach's lining as a natural filter to take waste and water out of the blood. 

During peritoneal dialysis, a special fluid is inserted into the belly. It helps waste and water seep across the lining of the stomach. As the fluid washes back out, it brings that waster and water out of the body. A catheter helps carry the fluid into and back out of the stomach.  

Learn more about our dialysis services 

Let’s take the first step to help your child feel well. Call us today at (804) 828-CHoR or request an appointment online to learn more about our comprehensive and multidisciplinary services.