Abstract： AIM To investigate the relationship between chronic kidney disease (CKD) related malnutrition and intestinal mucosal immune barrier function.METHODS The MQSGA scale was used to assess the nutritional status of patients,and slgA content in feces was determined to assess the intestinal mucosal barrier function.The correlation between the nutritional status and intestinal mucosal barrier function was then analyzed.Two hundred and eighty-four patients with stage Ⅳ CKD (CKD4) were divided into a study group [oral traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction + Chinese herbal colon dialysis] and a control group (oral TCM decoction alone).TCM symptoms and clinical laboratory tests were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Patients with CKD4 had intestinal mucosal immune barrier dysfunction.There was a negative correlation between intestinal mucosal barrier function and the nutritional status of patients (r =-0.533,P ＜ 0.05).With the decrease in the levels of albumin and hemoglobin,slgA content in feces increased.slgA content in feces had a positive correlation with serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels (r =0.486,P ＜ 0.05).slgA content in feces decreased with the decrease in TCM syndrome score (r =0.419,P ＜ 0.05).In patients with a high TCM syndrome score,there was a linear correlation between slgA content and nutritional status (r =-0.823,P ＜ 0.05).CONCLUSION The intestinal mucosal immune barrier function can be assessed by determining the level of slgA in the gut.Chinese herbal colon dialysis can improve the intestinal mucosal immune barrier function and the nutritional status in patients with CKD4,thus delaying the progression of CKD and improving the prognosis and quality of life of patients.