Abstract

End-stage renal failure is a condition in which chronic renal disease progresses to such a degree that replacement therapy is needed. Renal tissue damage is final and irreparable. Peritoneal dialysis, shown in the presented case, is the most suitable form of replacement therapy for treatment of renal failure in small children. The family is very involved in carrying out peritoneal dialysis. The parents are directly responsible for carrying out this form of dialysis at home. This places a heavy burden and responsibilities on the family, necessitating close cooperation with the medical team on the Clinical Department for Nephrology at the University Children’s Hospital. Parents receive complete instructions at the hospital and gain the knowledge required for carrying out peritoneal dialysis and mastering the associated procedures. Peritoneal dialysis is the most “user-friendly” form of dialysis for the child and his family because the child spends most of his time in his home environment. Hospital visits are required only for follow-up and when problems occur. Besides this advantage, peritoneal dialysis also has disadvantages. Of these, the risk of parental burnout and the infection in the abdominal cavity are highlighted. Our multidisciplinary team of specialists offers the family support for these problems and, with good cooperation, the child is hospitalized only when this is unavoidable. A child with chronic renal failure, which was discovered at birth, is presented.

Key words: chronic renal failure, peritoneal dialysis, family, child.