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 beenassociated 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 used
by nurses at the bedside.