Peritoneal Dialysis Therapy in Paediatric Patients
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a type of kidney dialysis therapy that uses the peritoneum, a thin membrane that lines the abdominal cavity, to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. PD is an effective treatment for children with kidney failure, and it offers several benefits over other dialysis methods, such as hemodialysis. Here are some benefits of peritoneal dialysis therapy in children:
1. Better Quality of Life
Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home, allowing children to continue their daily routines without disruption. This means that children can go to school, participate in activities, and spend time with their families and friends without having to spend long hours in a hospital or a dialysis center. This can lead to a better quality of life and a more normal childhood experience.
2. Fewer Dietary Restrictio
Peritoneal dialysis allows for greater dietary freedom compared to haemodialysis, which requires more strict dietary restrictions due to the frequency of treatment. With PD, children can enjoy a more varied diet and have greater flexibility in their food choices.
3. Reduced Risk of Blood-Borne Infections:
Hemodialysis requires the use of needles and tubing, which increases the risk of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B and C and HIV. With peritoneal dialysis, there is a lower risk of infection because there is no direct contact with blood.
4. Better Growth and Development with Peritoneal Dialysis for Paediatric Patients:
Children on peritoneal dialysis have been shown to have better growth and development compared to those on hemodialysis. This is because PD allows for a more continuous and gentle removal of waste and excess fluid, which can better support the child's growth and development.
5. Greater Independence:
Peritoneal dialysis allows children to take control of their own care and become more independent. Children can learn to perform their own dialysis treatments, giving them a sense of autonomy and control over their health.
Studies have shown that children on peritoneal dialysis (PD) have better growth and development compared to those on hemodialysis (HD). Here are some examples of the research that supports this statement:
References: 1. Saudi Med J. 2019AUG; 40(8):840-843. doi:10.15537/smj.2019.8.12747 Comparison of quality of life in children undergoing peritoneal dialysis versus hemodialysis Ola A Alhusaini , Lamis A Wayyani, Hadeer E Dafterdar, Mariyah M Gamlo, Zainab A Alkhayat, Abeer S Alghamdi, Osama Y Safdar 2. Pediatr Nephrol. 2009; 24(4): 721–730.Published online 2009 Apr1. doi: 10.1007/s00467-007-0719-4 Nutrition assessment and management in children on peritoneal dialysis 3. J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011 Dec; 22(12): 2303–2312.doi: 10.1681/ASN.2010020192 Growth in Very Young Children Undergoing Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Overall, while there is some variation in the results of different studies, the weight of evidence suggests that children on PD have better growth and development outcomes compared to those on HD. The exact reasons for this difference are not fully understood but may be related to differences in the nutritional support and dialysis methods provided by the two treatments.In conclusion, peritoneal dialysis therapy offers several benefits for children with kidney failure, including a better quality of life, fewer dietary restrictions, reduced risk of blood-borne infections, better growth and development, and greater independence. If you have a child with kidney failure, talk to your doctor about whether peritoneal dialysis may be an appropriate treatment option.