Johns Hopkins Children’s Center now houses the only outpatient hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis unit in Maryland dedicated to children.

The family-friendly pediatric unit is operated by Fresenius Kidney Care and staffed by a multidisciplinary team with training in the care of children with end-stage renal disease, including pediatric nephrologists, pediatric dialysis nurses, a pediatric renal social worker, a pediatric renal dietitian, a full-time child life specialist and a behavioral psychologist. It is under the medical direction of Alicia Neu, M.D., chief of the Division of Pediatric Nephrology. 

The unit offers patients access to the latest technologies, including specialized equipment that helps distinguish between the healthy weight gain expected in childhood and the unhealthy weight gain due to fluid retention from poorly functioning kidneys. Heated, reclining massage chairs and access to gaming systems and other age-appropriate games enhance the patient experience.

Children cared for in the unit also benefit from participation in a structured transition program to optimize the patient care experience and outcomes during all phases of cognitive development, and to aid in the development of autonomy among teenage and young adult patients.

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