A NEW MODEM-BASED COMMUNICATION LINK FOR PEDIATRIC HOME PERITONEAL-DIALYSIS PATIENTS

Home peritoneal dialysis (PD) is often the only treatment option for c hildren with chronic renal failure who live a significant distance fro m a pediatric hemodialysis center. Over the past 10 years, we have bee n working toward minimizing many of the problems associated with home PD for children. The one problem which we have had the most difficulty managing is the feeling of isolation felt by the children and their f amilies. We have recently acquired the ability to transmit dialysis da ta via modem from the home of the patient to the clinical staff at the hospital. Information related to exchange times, ultrafiltration, ala rm situations, blood pressure, and weight can be assessed and analyzed , and appropriate interventions implemented. This new technology, whil e not without its problems, has offered new hope to these families tha t help is only a telephone wire away.