Beverage intake and hydration status of hospitalized individuals without dysphagia following stroke

Background: Individuals with dysphagia, or swallowing impairment, following stroke have sub-optimal fluid intake and poor hydration but there are no published studies describing these measures for individuals without dysphagia for comparison purposes. Purpose: This study is the first to determine the average beverage intake, hydration and fluid-related health status of hospitalised individuals without dysphagia following stroke. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in three rehabilitation centres. Average beverage intake was calculated from 7days of fluid balance charts, with serum biochemical measures (urea: creatinine ratio) taken at the beginning and end of this period. Results: The mean beverage intake of 86 individuals hospitalised following stroke without dysphagia was 1504 ml (SD 359 ml).Patients who were more dependent had a significantly lower average beverage intake. The average urea: creatinine ratio was 80.55 (SD22.43) which is at the high (worse) end of the normal range. 38% of participants had results elevated beyond normal limits indicative of dehydration. The elderly or those with reduced mobility were significantly more poorly hydrated, although interestingly only 2.3% of the sample had a medical diagnosis of dehydration. Of the other adverse health outcomes, 8.1% of the sample was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection, 10.5% with constipation and none developed pneumonia. Conclusion: These data serve as an aetiology-matched comparison for researchers of dysphagia. Findings highlight that the more dependent and the elderly should have their intake and hydration status closely monitored when in hospital as a result of stroke even if they do not have dysphagia.