Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intradialytic protein-rich meals (egg + milk) on nutritional parameters in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Method This was a single center and non-randomized study. Fifty-three patients with hypoalbuminemia (plasma albumin ＜40g/L) were assigned into control group (hemodialysis on Monday, Wednesday and Friday; n=26) or intervention group (hemodialysis on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday; n=27). The control group received standardized nutritional counseling, and the intervention group received standardized nutritional counseling plus intradialytic protein-rich meal three times a week. They were observed for 3 months. Biochemical and body composition parameters were examined in both groups. Results In the invention group, compared with baseline and control
group, serum albumin increased significantly after intervention for 3 months (t/Z=3.493, - 3.851;P＜0.001, ＜0.001). In the intervention group, baseline normalized protein catabolic rate(nPCR) ＜1.0g/(kg •d) was found in 11 patients; at the end of the intervention, nPCR was increased significantly[＞1.0g/(kg•d)] in 7(64%)of them（t=-5.267, P＜0.001). After the intervention, CO2-CP decreased (t=3.667,P=0.001) and blood urea nitrogen increased (t=-2.885,P=0.008) as compared with the baseline values. Conclusions Intradialysis protein-rich meals improved serum albumin level in MHD patients.

Key words: Hemodialysis, Malnutrition, Hypoalbuminemia, Intradialytic protein-rich meal