Abstract: Objective To verify whether there is linear correlation between the renal function and serum albumin of the ESRD patients at the initiation of dialysis. Methods Serum albumin (SALB), serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen together with other demographic and laboratory data of all 514 ESRD in-patients who initiated their first dialysis treatment between January, 1998 and August, 2004 at two large dialysis centers in Changsha were obtained retrospectively by reviewing the case recards. All patients; divided into different groups by various conditions, the predicted GFR of all patients were calculated and the relationship between serum albumin and GFR of the whole population and various subgroups were assessed. Results ① In general, there is no linear correlation between SALB and GFR. ② When GFR＜8.5ml/min, SALB correlated with GFR (r=0.093, P =0.044). ③When subgroups were defined by causes of ESRD, only the primary glomerular nephritis group demonstrated similar trend with the overall population. ④ Factors such as age, gender, body weight, and dialysis modality have no significant effect on relationship between GFR and SALB. Conclusion ① As renal function falls below certain level, hypoalbuminemia is more likely to occur. ② When GFR＜8.5ml/min, SALB decreases with GFR and a positive linear correlation existes between them. ③ To establish a scientific criterion of commencing dialysis timely before severe malnutrition occurs is of great importance to improve the living quality of the patients and reduce mortality rate of them.

Key words: Serum albumin, Glomerular filtration rate, Correlation analysis