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Factors associated with low‐intake dehydration among older inpatients: A pilot study
Author(s) -
Wham Carol,
Smithers Allie,
Kruger Rozanne,
Mazahery Hajar,
Richter Marilize
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
australasian journal on ageing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.63
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1741-6612
pISSN - 1440-6381
DOI - 10.1111/ajag.12894
Subject(s) - fluid intake , dehydration , water intake , osmole , medicine , odds ratio , plasma osmolality , urine osmolality , zoology , urine , chemistry , biology , vasopressin , biochemistry
Objectives To assess fluid intake among older inpatients and factors associated with low‐intake dehydration. Methods Daily fluid intake and access were assessed within the 24‐hour period, and blood was drawn to measure serum osmolality. Results Of 89 patients, 16% and 27% had serum osmolality ≥ 300 (dehydrated) and 295‐299 mOsm/kg (impending dehydration), respectively. Median (IQR) total fluid intake was 1.7 (1.6, 1.9) L/day. Fluid intake from beverages ( P = .06) and water ( P = .02) was higher in hydrated than impending/dehydrated patients. Of all fluid sources, only water intake was associated with hydration status ( P = .02). The adjusted odds of serum osmolality ≥ 295 were increased for patients in the first (<0.3 L, P = .007) and second (0.3‐0.8 L, P = .04) tertiles of water intake than those in the third tertile (≥0.8 L). Bladder control difficulty was associated with lower water intake ( P = .03). Conclusion Monitoring water intake and assisting patients with bladder control difficulty may be key strategies to maintain hydration.