diff --git a/servers/slapd/back-mdb/search.c b/servers/slapd/back-mdb/search.c
index 301d1a498c..43442aa242 100644
--- a/servers/slapd/back-mdb/search.c
+++ b/servers/slapd/back-mdb/search.c
@@ -1066,7 +1066,8 @@ notfound:
 			/* check size limit */
 			if ( get_pagedresults(op) > SLAP_CONTROL_IGNORED ) {
 				if ( rs->sr_nentries >= ((PagedResultsState *)op->o_pagedresults_state)->ps_size ) {
-					mdb_entry_return( op, e );
+					if (e != base)
+						mdb_entry_return( op, e );
 					e = NULL;
 					send_paged_response( op, rs, &lastid, tentries );
 					goto done;