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Principles of renal replacement therapy in children
E D Evans1, L A Greenbaum, R B Ettenger
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, USA.
Pediatric Clinics of North America
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Pediatric renal replacement therapy has advanced significantly, enabling temporary support for critically ill infants and routine dialysis for young children. Healthcare teams should be aware of these available life-sustaining treatments for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nephrology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Renal Replacement Therapy
Background:
- Significant advancements in pediatric renal replacement therapy (RRT) have occurred over the last decade.
- RRT techniques now allow for the temporary support of even the smallest critically ill pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the evolution and current state of pediatric renal replacement therapy.
- To inform healthcare providers about available RRT modalities for children.
- To acknowledge the ethical considerations accompanying improved therapeutic capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent developments in pediatric dialysis techniques.
- Analysis of the application of RRT in critically ill children.
- Discussion of the integration of chronic peritoneal and hemodialysis in pediatric care.
Main Results:
- Temporary RRT support is now feasible for extremely small and critically ill pediatric patients.
- Chronic peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis are established as routine treatments for young children requiring long-term RRT.
- Technological progress in RRT has expanded treatment options for pediatric patients with kidney failure.
Conclusions:
- Modern pediatric renal replacement therapy offers expanded capabilities for supporting critically ill children.
- The routine use of chronic dialysis in young children signifies a major progress in pediatric nephrology.
- Awareness of these advanced RRT options is crucial for healthcare teams managing pediatric patients, despite potential ethical challenges.