This chart provides an overview of the three main types of dialysis:
Use it as a quick guide to help you and your family choose the best dialysis option for your child.
Home hemodialysis | Home peritoneal dialysis | In-hospital hemodialysis | |
---|---|---|---|
Patient age and health | |||
Suitable age range | Child to adolescent | Infant to adolescent | Infant to adolescent |
Suitable medical condition | Stable | Stable | Stable or complex needs |
Energy levels after treatment | Higher, with shorter recovery time | Higher, with shorter recovery time | Lower, with longer recovery time |
Fluid and toxin build-up | Less build-up (frequent treatment) | Less build-up (daily treatment) | More build-up |
Timing of transplant | Unknown | Unknown | Transplant from living related donor due in near future |
Home hemodialysis | Home peritoneal dialysis | In-hospital hemodialysis | |
---|---|---|---|
Lifestyle | |||
Diet | No restrictions | Some restrictions | More restrictions |
Fluids | No restrictions | Some restrictions | More restrictions |
Medications | Fewer medications | Routine medications | Routine medications |
Hospital visits | Once a month | Once a month | 3–4 times a week |
School | Full-time | Full-time | Part-time (tutoring during treatment) |
Transport costs | Public transit or gas and parking costs, once a month | Public transit or gas and parking costs, once a month | Frequent public transit or gas and parking costs, depending on distance to hospital |
Home hemodialysis | Home peritoneal dialysis | In-hospital hemodialysis | |
---|---|---|---|
Time commitment | |||
Treatment time | Day or night | Night | Day |
Treatment length | 2–10 hours | 8–12 hours | 3–4 hours |
Treatment frequency | 3–6 times a week | 7 nights a week | 3–4 times a week |
Preparation for treatment | 45 minutes | 30 minutes | 10 minutes |
Clean-up time after treatment | 20 minutes | 10 minutes | None |
Treatment schedule | Flexible | Flexible | Fixed (hospital visits) |
Teaching time | 18 days over 6 weeks | 5–7 days | Ongoing support |
Home hemodialysis | Home peritoneal dialysis | In-hospital hemodialysis | |
---|---|---|---|
How and when dialysis is given | |||
How dialysis is given | CVL or fistula | PD catheter | CVL or fistula |
Start of treatment | Immediate in-hospital HD; move to home HD when stable | 2 weeks after catheter is placed | Immediate |
Care provider | Patient and family | Patient and family | Health-care professionals |
Required caregiver language | English (learner must be able to read and write) | English (learner must be able to read and write) | Any language (interpreter as needed) |
Medical management | Self-managed according to medical plan | Self-managed according to medical plan | Help with medical care provided by health-care professionals |
Treatment support | Back-up care provider needed | Back-up care provider needed | No back-up needed |
Use of option away from home | No, patient must switch to in-hospital HD at travel destination | Yes—machine is portable and can run from a power outlet | Yes |
Respite (break for patient and caregivers) | Yes, patient can do in-hospital HD as needed | Overnight community facility (if available) | No |
Home hemodialysis | Home peritoneal dialysis | In-hospital hemodialysis | |
---|---|---|---|
Equipment and storage needs | |||
Housing | Suitable housing to store and use equipment and supplies | Suitable housing to store and use equipment and supplies | Housing need only be near the hospital (for regular appointments) |
Equipment | Stationary hemodialysis and reverse osmosis machines—1hr/wk maintenance | Portable cycler (20 lb)—low maintenance | Does not apply—no equipment at home |
Storage area | Area size: 3’ x 4’ Clean, dry, room temperature | Area size: 3’ x 4’ Clean, dry, room temperature | Does not apply—no equipment at home |
Required treatment area | Room size: 10’ x 11’ Clean, adequate lighting Next to plumbing | Room size does not matter Clean, adequate lighting Near power outlet | Open-concept hospital space |