In-hospital hemodialysis

In-hospital hemodialysis is a dialysis option offered in a hospital setting. It is a rapid type of dialysis that removes any toxins and fluid that have built up in your child's body over the previous day or two.

Benefits of in-hospital hemodialysis

In-hospital dialysis is closely supervised by the nephrology team. This team includes kidney specialists, nurses, dietitians and social workers.

In-hospital hemodialysis means that:

• your family has little responsibility for performing the dialysis
• your child can receive dialysis no matter how old they are or how much they weigh
• your child will have regular contact with other hemodialysis patients and staff
• your child has immediate access to medical help during treatment
• your family does not need to keep equipment or supplies at home

How often does my child need in-hospital hemodialysis?

Your child receives this dialysis as an outpatient in a hospital (they do not stay overnight). The dialysis is usually done three or four times a week, including holidays. Each treatment lasts three or four hours. You may stay with your child during the treatment.

Things to consider when deciding on in-hospital hemodialysis

Coming to the hospital for dialysis may mean less responsibility, but it may affect other areas of your child's life. To help you decide if in-hospital dialysis is suitable for your child, please consider the following points.

Impact of in-hospital hemodialysis on your child's routine

• Your child will need dialysis on a fixed schedule every week.
• Your child will miss a lot of school to attend the treatments.
• Your child will need to follow a strict diet, including fluids.
• Your child will need to take more medications than if they had peritoneal dialysis or home hemodialysis.

Impact of in-hospital hemodialysis on your family's routine

• You or another family member must take time off work to be with your child for the dialysis treatments.
• You will need travel to and from the hospital and cover any related transportation expenses such as gas, parking or transit.

How your child feels during and after in-hospital hemodialysis

• Your child might feel unwell during dialysis (light headed, cramps, headache and nausea).
• Your child will have less energy and need more time to recover after each treatment.

At SickKids

The Dialysis Unit at SickKids is open Monday through Saturday and can offer dialysis in the morning or afternoon.

Your child can eat one meal during the dialysis treatment. If you wish, they can also be taught by a teacher from the Toronto District School Board to help them keep up with their school work. We can also arrange physiotherapy for your child on request.

For more information or a tour of the Dialysis Unit, please contact 416-813-7563.