Factors associated with low-intake dehydration among older inpatients: A pilot study

To assess fluid intake among older inpatients and factors associated with low-intake dehydration.

Daily fluid intake and access were assessed within the 24-hour period, and blood was drawn to measure serum osmolality.

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).

Monitoring water intake and assisting patients with bladder control difficulty may be key strategies to maintain hydration.