Pediatric Dialysis
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Family-centered dialysis for children
Dialysis is a lifesaving treatment for children with kidney failure, including those who are waiting for a kidney transplant. But dialysis can also put a strain on families and make daily life challenging. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer services designed for kids and family-centered support to help everyone navigate the road ahead.
Specialized pediatric dialysis services
We're one of the few dialysis centers in Northern California specializing in treating infants, children and adolescents. Our state-of-the-art facility features comfortable dialysis stations and a private room for children with special needs.
We offer:
Pediatric hemodialysis. This type of dialysis uses a machine to filter waste and water from the blood. Patients receive this treatment at our center three times a week.
Pediatric peritoneal dialysis. This type of dialysis filters blood inside your child's body. It's performed daily at home with the help of a parent or caregiver. We teach families how to manage this treatment.
We offer fun amenities to keep kids engaged and relaxed during treatment, including:
Books and board games
Video game consoles
Laptop computers with internet access
TVs and DVD players
Academic support during dialysis
We know how important it is for our patients to continue learning so they don't fall behind in school. Our academic program for children in kindergarten through 12th grade provides the structure and support they need to thrive.
The program, led by a credentialed teacher and volunteers, is available three days a week. We consult with your child's school district and teachers to coordinate assignments and provide instruction, assessments and grading, as needed. While most students remain enrolled in their home districts, those who do all their schoolwork here are enrolled in the San Francisco Unified School District.
Highlights of our school program include:
Dedicated space for completing assignments
Instruction in reading, writing and math
Guest teachers for art, music and filmmaking
Learning materials, such as games, books and movies
School supplies, including laptops
Family-centered dialysis for children
Dialysis is a lifesaving treatment for children with kidney failure, including those who are waiting for a kidney transplant. But dialysis can also put a strain on families and make daily life challenging. At UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, we offer services designed for kids and family-centered support to help everyone navigate the road ahead.
Specialized pediatric dialysis services
We're one of the few dialysis centers in Northern California specializing in treating infants, children and adolescents. Our state-of-the-art facility features comfortable dialysis stations and a private room for children with special needs.
We offer:
Pediatric hemodialysis. This type of dialysis uses a machine to filter waste and water from the blood. Patients receive this treatment at our center three times a week.
Pediatric peritoneal dialysis. This type of dialysis filters blood inside your child's body. It's performed daily at home with the help of a parent or caregiver. We teach families how to manage this treatment.
We offer fun amenities to keep kids engaged and relaxed during treatment, including:
Books and board games
Video game consoles
Laptop computers with internet access
TVs and DVD players
Academic support during dialysis
We know how important it is for our patients to continue learning so they don't fall behind in school. Our academic program for children in kindergarten through 12th grade provides the structure and support they need to thrive.
The program, led by a credentialed teacher and volunteers, is available three days a week. We consult with your child's school district and teachers to coordinate assignments and provide instruction, assessments and grading, as needed. While most students remain enrolled in their home districts, those who do all their schoolwork here are enrolled in the San Francisco Unified School District.
Highlights of our school program include:
Dedicated space for completing assignments
Instruction in reading, writing and math
Guest teachers for art, music and filmmaking
Learning materials, such as games, books and movies
School supplies, including laptops
Providers
Paul R. Brakeman, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Kristen Favel, MD, MPH
Pediatric Nephrology
Marsha Lee, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Farzana Perwad, MD
Nephrology • Pediatric Nephrology
Awards & achievements
Top 10 in the nation for nephrology
Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Related conditions & treatments
Conditions
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- End Stage Renal Disease
- Kidney Disease
- Renal Failure
Treatments
- Dialysis
- Hemodialysis
- Home Dialysis
- Kidney Transplant
- Peritoneal Dialysis
Support services
Child Life
Certified child life specialists ease the stress and anxiety of childhood illness through therapeutic play, schooling and family-focused support.
Family Amenities
Family-friendly amenities help you relax and take care of yourself while staying close to your child. We offer lounges, kitchens, showers, breastfeeding rooms and more.
Social Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Social workers ease the effect of illness, injury and hospitalization on your family with counseling and assistance to help you navigate the challenges.
Activity Rooms
Activity rooms offer a relaxed environment for children of all ages. Features include a playroom, digital arts studio and teen lounge. Find out more.
Pediatric Art Therapy Program
Art therapy helps kids and families express themselves, making it easier to cope with pediatric health issues. Group and bedside services are available.
Pediatric Music Therapy Program
Board-certified music therapists help kids cope with illness and the feelings that come with it. Find out about group activities and bedside therapy.
School Program for Hospitalized Children
Our schoolroom services and individual learning programs help children hospitalized at UCSF continue their education and get ready to return to school.
School Re-Entry Program
We help kids return to school after hospitalization by educating staff and students about their needs and recommending needed accommodations. Read more.
Individual Playtime & Instruction
If your child can't be around other kids for medical reasons, you can sign up for private sessions in our activity and school rooms. Find out how.
Interpreter Services & Communication Assistance at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Interpreter services in many languages and TDDs are available for families that need help communicating with care teams. Here's how to access them.
Parent Support Program
Weekly activities, including knitting, scrapbooking, chair massage and more, help family caregivers get a much-needed break. Find out more.
Patient Relations at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Patient relations reps and nursing supervisors are here to answer questions and address concerns. Learn about your rights, how to reach us and more.
Spiritual Care at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
Chaplains help UCSF patients, families and staff cope with the spiritual and emotional challenges of childhood illness. Learn more.
International Services at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
If you're coming to UCSF from outside the U.S., we coordinate your child's appointments and provide other helpful services. Here's how to get started.