Frequency, risk factors and clinical reflections of dehydration in geriatric patients

Introduction and Aim: Our aim is investigate the frequency, risk factors and clinical reflections of dehydration. Materials and Methods: Patients file were scanned retrospectively. Dehydrated patients were determined using calculated plasma osmolarity [1,86 x (Na+ K) +1,15 x glucose + urea +14]. Plasma osmolarity greater than 295 mOsm/L were considered dehydrated. The relationship between geriatric assessment parameters and hydration status of the patients was analyzed. Results: 963 patients were included. Mean age was 79,9. 71,7% of them were women. 31,15% were dehydrated. Female sex, less education time, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic renal failure (CRF), risk of falling, sarcopenia, dependence were more common in dehydrated ones (p<0,05). According to the analysis performed by removing the effect of age and gender, dependency in basic and instrumental activities of daily living and the risk of falling were higher in the dehydrated group (p<0,05). Analysis by removing the effects of age, gender, DM and CRF; the risk of falling was still higher in dehydrated ones (odds ratio: 1,38, %95 confidence interval: 1,0-1,90, p<0,05). Conclusion: Almost one out of every three elderly patient is dehydrated. Dehydration is higher in the female, less education, DM and CRF. Dehydrated patients have decreased functionality, sarcopenia and an increased risk of falling. The risk of falling is 1,4 times higher in dehydrated patients, independent of other factors. Therefore, screening for dehydration and taking preventive measures may be beneficial in avoiding the negative consequences associated with dehydration.