Pediatric Nephrology and Hypertension Program
Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH)
Hemofiltration is a treatment used mostly in patients with acute renal failure. It is somewhat similar to hemodialysis, but it relies on filtration or convection rather than diffusion.
Hemofiltration tends to do a better job at filtering larger waste particles, and it also helps keep blood pressure stable. It can be coupled with dialysis (CVVHD) to add the benefits of diffusion. Hemofiltration is not suitable for long-term treatment.
Your child’s nephrologist can help explain the differences between hemodialysis and hemofiltration, and recommend the treatment that is more appropriate to your child’s needs.
For referral to a physician for your child, please call Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Physician Referral Service toll-free at (866) JDCH-DOC. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
