Introduction
Stroke patients may show signs of dehydration on admission,or develop signs during their hospital admission (Kelly et al.2004). Stroke patients who are unconscious, have swallowing problems, are physically dependent, unable to communicate or confused are at increased risk of becoming dehydrated (Whelan 2001). Two thirds of all strokes occur in those aged over 65 who are more prone to water imbalance (Kedlaya& Brandstater 2002). Dehydration after stroke has been associated with increased blood viscosity, decreased blood pressure, venous thrombo-embolism, stroke mortality at 3 months and is associated with stroke recurrence (Bhalla et al. 2000, Kelly et al. 2004). Therefore, early identification of dehydration is important as it might allow us to intervene to prevent significant dehydration developing or reduce its duration and thus possibly improve patient outcomes. In this study, we hypothesized that clinically important dehydration would be associated with, and possibly preceded by increased urinary specific gravity (USG) or a change in urine colour(Ucol). Both of these tests are non-invasive and could be usedby nurses at the bedside.