Dialysis options: How they compare

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Use this quick reference guide to help you decide between home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis or in-hospital dialysis.

Key points

  • There are three different options for dialysis: home hemodialysis, home peritoneal dialysis and in-hospital hemodialysis.
  • When deciding on which dialysis option is best for you and your family, you will need to consider your child's age and health, your lifestyle, the time commitment required, how and when each type of dialysis is given and the equipment and storage needs.

​​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 hemodialysisHome peritoneal dialysisIn-hospital hemodialysis
Patient age and health​
Suitable age rangeChild to adolescentInfant to adolescentInfant to adolescent
Suitable medical conditionStableStableStable or complex needs
Energy levels after treatmentHigher, with shorter recovery timeHigher, with shorter recovery timeLower, with longer recovery time
Fluid and toxin build-upLess build-up (frequent treatment)Less build-up (daily treatment)More build-up
Timing of transplantUnknownUnknownTransplant from living related donor due in near future
Home hemodialysisHome peritoneal dialysisIn-hospital hemodialysis
Lifestyle
DietNo restrictionsSome restrictionsMore restrictions
FluidsNo restrictionsSome restrictionsMore restrictions
MedicationsFewer medicationsRoutine medicationsRoutine medications
Hospital visitsOnce a monthOnce a month3–4 times a week
SchoolFull-timeFull-timePart-time (tutoring during treatment)
Transport costsPublic 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 hemodialysisHome peritoneal dialysis In-hospital hemodialysis
Time commitment
Treatment timeDay or nightNightDay
Treatment length2–10 hours8–12 hours3–4 hours
Treatment frequency3–6 times a week7 nights a week3–4 times a week
Preparation for treatment45 minutes30 minutes10 minutes
Clean-up time after treatment20 minutes10 minutesNone
Treatment scheduleFlexibleFlexibleFixed (hospital visits)
Teaching time18 days over 6 weeks5–7 daysOngoing support
Home hemodialysisHome peritoneal dialysis In-hospital hemodialysis
How and when dialysis is given
How dialysis is givenCVL or fistulaPD catheterCVL or fistula
Start of treatmentImmediate in-hospital HD; move to home HD when stable2 weeks after catheter is placedImmediate
Care providerPatient and familyPatient and familyHealth-care professionals
Required caregiver languageEnglish (learner must be able to read and write) English (learner must be able to read and write)Any language (interpreter as needed)
Medical managementSelf-managed according to medical planSelf-managed according to medical plan Help with medical care provided by health-care professionals
Treatment supportBack-up care provider neededBack-up care provider neededNo back-up needed
Use of option away from homeNo, patient must switch to in-hospital HD at travel destinationYes—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 neededOvernight community facility (if available)No
Home hemodialysisHome peritoneal dialysisIn-hospital hemodialysis
Equipment and storage needs
HousingSuitable housing to store and use equipment and suppliesSuitable housing to store and use equipment and suppliesHousing need only be near the hospital (for regular appointments)
EquipmentStationary hemodialysis and reverse osmosis machines—1hr/wk maintenancePortable cycler (20 lb)—low maintenanceDoes not apply—no equipment at home
Storage areaArea 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 areaRoom 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
Dernières mises à jour: décembre 13th 2023