Background and importance Malnutrition is one of the strongest predictors of mortality and morbidity in haemodialysis patients. Albumin levels are used as an indicator of its severity and concentrations under 3.8 g/dL indicate severe malnutrition. As first-line treatment, guidelines recommend nutritional counselling and oral nutrition supplements. Furthermore, parenteral nutrition during regular haemodialysis sessions, known as intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN), is an option for patients who can nottolerate oral or enteral routes for nutrition supplements.

Aim and objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of IDPN on albumin concentrations in malnourished haemodialysis patients.

Material and methods Observational retrospective study carried out with patients who had been in treatment with IDPN in the last 5 years, from April 2016 to April 2021. Age, sex, height, weight, body mass index, IDPN start and end dates, and albumin levels were collected to create database. Statistical evaluation was done using Rcommander software.

Results In this 5-year period, the total number of patients was 7 (N=7). Initial albumin levels were under 3.8 g/dL in 100% of the patients and the mean was 2.7 ± 0.58 g/dL. Mean duration of IDPN was 36 (3–150) days. Albumin concentrations increased in all patients and the mean increase was 0.80 ± 0.32 g/dL. In addition, 42.9% of the patients (n=3) attained albumin levels higher than 3.8 g/dL.

Conclusion and relevance IDPN has shown an improvement in albumin concentrations among haemodialysis patients; however, further investigations are required to establish a relation with mortality and morbidity.

Conflict of interest No conflict of interest