Hyperosmolar dehydration in older adults

Abstract

Up to 350,000 patients above 65 years of age contact Danish emergency departments each year, and 40% of them have hyperosmolar dehydration (HD). HD often complicates other conditions. It increases mortality and morbidity, affects cognitive and physical function negatively and reduce the quality of life. This review recommends calculated serum osmolarity for the diagnosis of HD. The calculated osmolarity is based on blood samples already collected as standard. Improving the understanding, recognition, and treatment of HD can improve the outcome for older patients.