The Pediatric Dialysis Unit at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta provides comprehensive, family centered care to children with kidney failure. We treat potential medical complications of kidney failure such as:
One of our main goals is to prepare children for kidney transplantation, which is the preferred method for caring for most children with kidney failure.
The Children’s Pediatric Dialysis Unit offers two forms of dialysis:
- Hemodialysis : This form of dialysis is done at the hospital. Children come to the dialysis unit three days each week and receive dialysis for 3 to 4 hours.
- Peritoneal dialysis : This form of dialysis is done at home every day. Most children receive dialysis at night while they sleep. These children come to the Children’s Pediatric Dialysis Unit once a month for a clinic visit.
Children’s Pediatric Dialysis Unit provides multidisciplinary care from a team of professionals with expertise in the care of children with kidney failure. At Children’s, we not only focus on delivering outstanding medical care, but we also address the psychosocial needs of our patients and families.
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Pediatric nephrologists
Doctors who focus on disorders that affect the way a child’s kidneys work.
- Hemodialysis nurses
Highly trained and skilled professionals who perform hemodialysis treatments. They also help educate your family on your child’s disease and treatment.
- Peritoneal dialysis nurses
Nurses with special expertise in peritoneal dialysis. They teach families how to perform peritoneal dialysis at home. They provide ongoing support during clinic visits and by phone.
- Dietician
A professional who counsels patients and families about dietary restrictions that are often necessary for children with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI). She also makes sure children receive enough nutrition to grow and thrive.
- Social worker
A healthcare professional who helps patients and families deal with the challenges of caring for a child with a chronic illness.
- Child life specialist
A person who is specially trained in child development and how children respond to hospitalization and illness. Through education and play, she can help your child understand and cope with his hospital experience.
- Hospital teacher
A licensed teacher works with children on schoolwork while children are receiving hemodialysis. She also works with families to optimize the school experience for children.
- Kidney transplant coordinator
A registered nurse who is specially trained to care for children before and after a kidney transplant.
- Psychologist
Provides psychological support for children and families.
Location
Children’s Pediatric Dialysis Unit is located at:
Children’s at Egleston
1405 Clifton Road NE, 6th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30322