The evaluation and applications of hemodialyzers for pediatric patients.

It is difficult to determine which pediatric hemodialyzer to use in a given clinical situation since there is no comprehensive comparison of pediatric hemodialyzers. We evaluated five currently available disposable pediatric hemodialyzers in vitro and in vivo during treatment of pediatric patients. Two dialyzers, Gambro Mini-Minor and Viva Cell 0.2 are well suited to small pediatric patients weighing less than 10 kg. Three of the dialyzers are well suited to the pediatric patients weighing greater than 10 kg (Gambro Minor, Cordis Dow 0.6, Viva Cell 0.5). By considering the clinical status of the child and the performance characteristics of the dialyzer (solute removal, priming volume, ultrafiltration, etc.) it is possible to employ a hemodialyzer which more precisely meets the needs of the child without increasing risk factors associated with pediatric hemodialysis.