Overview
Dr. Nadine Benador provides pediatric dialysis treatments.
The Pediatric Dialysis Program at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego provides expert pediatric dialysis care for infants, children and adolescents with kidney failure and advanced kidney disease. When the kidneys can no longer adequately remove toxins and excess fluid from the body, dialysis is needed to replace this vital function.
Our specialized pediatric nephrology team offers a full range of dialysis therapies, including hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), tailored to each child’s medical needs. With options such as pediatric home dialysis, we help families maintain quality of life while ensuring safe, effective treatment and close monitoring.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a treatment in which blood is removed from the body and pumped through a hemodialysis filter (an artificial kidney), where it is cleaned and then safely returned to the child. This therapy is often recommended for children with end-stage kidney disease who need regular support to maintain fluid, electrolyte and toxin balance.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is a home-based therapy that uses the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) as a natural filter. A sterile solution containing sugar and salts is infused into the abdomen and later drained, helping remove toxins and extra fluid from the body. Pediatric home peritoneal dialysis allows many children to receive lifesaving treatment in the comfort of their home while maintaining daily routines and attending school whenever possible.
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)
For children who are critically ill or whose blood pressure is too unstable for standard hemodialysis, a slower and gentler treatment called continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) may be used. CRRT is typically provided in the intensive care unit, allowing for continuous support over many hours to closely manage fluid balance and waste removal.
Our team has developed advanced dialysis options for very sick children in intensive care, including the ability to use CRRT and plasmapheresis at the same time. A specialized technique, rapid exchange continuous renal replacement therapy (RECRRT), is routinely used to help decrease blood exposure and reduce blood pressure swings that can occur with other methods.
Video: What is Dialysis?
Contact
For questions about pediatric dialysis services, please call:
858-966-8882