The burden and outcomes associated with dehydration among US elderly, 1991

Objectives. Dehydration has been underappreciated as a cause of hospitalization and increased hospital-associated mortality in older people. This study used national data to analyze the burden and outcomes following hospitalizations with dehydration in the elderly. Methods. Data from 1991 Medicare files were used to calculate rates of hospitalization with dehydration, to examine demographic characteristics and concomitant diagnoses associated with dehydration, and to analyze the contribution of dehydration to mortality. Results. In 1991, 6.7% (731 695) of Medicare hospitalizations had dehydration listed as one of the five reported diagnoses, a rate of 236.2/10 000 elderly Medicare beneficiaries. In 1991, Medicare reimbursed over $446 million for hospitalizations with dehydration as the principal diagnosis. Older people, men, and Blacks had elevated risks for hospitalization with dehydration. Acute infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections, were frequent concomitant diagnoses. About 50% of elderly Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized with dehydration died within a year of admission. Conclusions. Hospitalization of elderly people with dehydration is a serious and costly medical problem. Attention should be focused on understanding predisposing factors and devising strategies for prevention.