Dialysis
Learn more about our Intermountain Children's Health dialysis program.
For over 35 years, our dialysis program has been a powerful source for children battling kidney disease. With a dedicated team of skilled healthcare professionals, our child-focused dialysis care has saved thousands of young children.
While dialysis use is rare in children, this treatment helps kids with chronic renal disease, acute kidney failure, and other systemic conditions. Our staff is ready to support your family, and together we'll develop a personalized treatment plan that ensures a brighter future and the best possible outcome.
What sets us apart
Get to know why Intermountain Children's Health dialysis program is right for you.
Each team member specializes in pediatrics and plays an important role in your child's treatment plan. In addition to board certified pediatric nephrologists, intensivists, and dialysis nurses, your child's pediatric dialysis team also includes:
- Pediatric renal dietitian
- Pediatric renal social worker
- Child life specialist schoolteacher
Our pediatric dialysis program was designed with children’s needs at the top of mind. During treatment we offer a comfortable, caring space that helps nurture your child. The unit provides:
- Music Therapy
- Art Therapy Games
- One-on-one instruction with a schoolteacher
Our services
Inpatient dialysis
For children who need to stay overnight, we offer three types of dialysis treatment.
- Hemodialysis uses a machine to clean the blood. Blood is pumped through a tube into a special filter called a dialyzer, which removes waste and extra fluid. The clean blood then flows back into the body through another tube.
- Peritoneal dialysis uses a solution that goes into the stomach through a tube. After the solution is inside, you can disconnect the bag, and your child can do their usual activities. After a few hours, the used solution, now full of waste and extra fluid, is drained into another bag.
- CRRT is a slow and gentle type of dialysis that works all the time. It removes more fluid from the body and filters it slowly, like a healthy kidney would. CRRT is used for patients who have low blood pressure.
Outpatient dialysis
Once your child’s doctors say it’s okay, outpatient dialysis can help them go back to their regular activities. Our outpatient dialysis unit has five spots for hemodialysis treatments. We'll make sure your child feels comfortable by offering books, video games, coloring supplies, and anything else they need to feel relaxed during dialysis.
At home dialysis
Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, which makes it easier for families. It's a simple process that we can help you learn safely. We'll check on your child's treatments regularly and work closely with you to make sure you have all the information and supplies you need to take care of your child.
Kidney transplant
