Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study is to summarize the evaluation indicators of chronic dehydration as described in previous research and to discuss their application for screening in community and home care settings. Methods: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect were searched for articles describing evaluation indicators for chronic dehydration from inception to June 8, 2023. Two reviewers independently reviewed articles according to a developed protocol and resolved any discrepancies through discussion to reach a consensus. Data on evaluation indicators of chronic dehydration were extracted. Results: A total of 14 articles were analyzed. Indicators of chronic dehydration were total body water, total exchangeable sodium, blood urea levels, blood urea nitrogen ratio to creatinine, serum uric acid concentration, serum osmolality, and urine specific gravity in studies involving human subjects. In studies involving animal subjects, chronic dehydration was evaluated by hematocrit, blood/plasma osmolality, plasma sodium, urine osmolality, and body weight. Conclusions: In summary, there were no consistent evaluation indicators in either human or animal studies. No examination methods for screening of chronic dehydration in community and home care settings were identified.
