Intensified Daily Dialysis: The Best Chronic Dialysis Option for Children?

Abstract

Children receiving chronic hemodialysis (HD) three times a week have many obstacles to overcome. Not only do they have to endure dietary restrictions, but they also need to take various medications on a daily basis, which contribute to anorexia. Children on such conventional dialysis programs often have poorly controlled blood pressure (which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and/or left ventricular dysfunction) and impaired statural growth. Therefore, the need for more frequent and/or intensive dialysis is recognized. Nevertheless despite limited center experience, daily dialysis is currently most often limited as a rescue treatment. When performed, daily intensified HD provides a modality for preserving cardiovascular health and promoting normal growth in children. Therefore, the time spent on chronic dialysis preserves their chances of the best possible outcome.