Kinross baby’s journey to dialysis begins

“Although he had surgery before, this time was different. This is a very important surgery leading to his transplant,” said his mother Pascale.

June 2, 2022

Kerry Bird 2 minutes read

Rainhardt Engelbrecht (1) who is battling bilateral multi-cystic dysplastic kidneys underwent surgery on May 19, for the insertion of a PD catheter. This is the beginning of his dialysis toward his kidney transplant. (Photo: Supplied)

The first step for dialysis has begun for baby Rainhardt Engelbrecht (1) who is battling bilateral multi-cystic dysplastic kidneys.

Although doctors gave no hope of survival at birth, Rainhardt is still here and fighting strong and got to celebrate his first birthday on April 15.

Rainhardt needs to weigh 10kg to be eligible for dialysis and a kidney transplant. His weight was staggering at 6.2 kgs.

A decision was made by the nephrology team at Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, for Rainhardt to start his dialysis.

Although not the youngest, he is the lightest infant to receive such treatment for his condition in South Africa.

Rainhardt underwent surgery on May 19, for the insertion of his PD catheter and a hemodialysis catheter.

For any parent having their child go through surgery is a scary experience. His parents had their first experience when he underwent surgery for a feeding peg last year.

“Although he had surgery before, this time was different. This is a very important surgery leading to his transplant,” said his mother Pascale.

Rainhardt Engelbrecht (1) underwent surgery on May 19 for the insertion of his PD catheter and a hemodialysis catheter. (Photo Supplied)

The hemodialysis catheter is for in case Raindardt’s kidneys got worse and in need of immediate dialysis. This was removed on May 23.

Rainhardt is being treated at the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital. Both his parents Daryll and Pascale are staying at the hospital’s boarding facilities.

Their stay could be up to three months and will include intense and delicate training on administering his dialysis.

Once he is released from the hospital his parents will need to administer dialysis at home.

“Anytime the catheter is exposed there is a high risk of infection,” said Pascale.

Dialysis will be administered 10 days after the insertion of his PD catheter.

“Everything thus far is going smoothly. We now have to monitor for any infections. Any infections will put him at risk.”

Because of his medical condition, Rainhardt is prone to the slightest infection. He has been more in hospitals than at home since birth.

He has been showing great progress, so much so, that he has put on 1kg since his operation of the PD catheter.

Rainhardt Engelbrecht (1) who is battling bilateral multi-cystic dysplastic kidneys underwent surgery for the insertion of his PD catheter and a hemodialysis catheter. This is the first step toward dialysis. (Photo: Supplied)

“He loves the hospital food. During the night when he’s asleep, he gets extra feeding via a feeding pump. He needs to get to 10kg for his transplant.

“In the meantime doctors want Daryll to be tested to see if he is a match and a possible donor for Rainhardt,” said Pascale.

The medical aid does not cover these costs and testing must be done at the parent’s expense.

He also receives daily therapy for his speech, development and diet. He is limited to foods that are low in potassium, low sodium and lower phosphorus.

For more on Rainhardt’s kidney journey go like and follow his Facebook page: Baby Rainhardt’s Kidney Fund.

You can also support his cause through BackaBuddy: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/rainhardt-engelbrecht. Or through Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/babyrainhardt? to assist with all the extra medical costs that keep pouring in.