Low prealbumin levels are independently associated with higher mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis

Abstract Background Prealbumin, a sensitive marker for protein-energy status is also known as an independent risk factor for mortality in hemodialysis patients. We investigated the impact of prealbumin on survival in incident peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods In total, 136 incident PD patients (mean age of 53.0 ± 15.8 years) between 2002 and 2007 were enrolled in the study. Laboratory data, dialysis adequacy, and nutritional parameters were assessed 3 months after PD initiation. Patients were classified into two groups according to prealbumin level: high prealbumin (≥40 mg/dL) and low prealbumin (