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 |
