1. What is the Corrected Sodium Formula?

The corrected sodium formula adjusts measured serum sodium levels in the presence of hyperglycemia. High glucose levels can cause pseudohyponatremia by osmotic fluid shifts, and this calculation provides a more accurate sodium value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Serum glucose level (mg/dL)
• 0.016 — Correction factor
• 100 — Baseline glucose level (mg/dL)

Explanation: For every 100 mg/dL increase in glucose above 100 mg/dL, serum sodium decreases by approximately 1.6 mEq/L due to osmotic effects.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium measurement is crucial for managing fluid balance, neurological status, and guiding treatment in diabetic emergencies like DKA or HHS.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be valid (sodium > 0, glucose ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should sodium correction be used?
A: Use when glucose is >100 mg/dL to account for dilutional effects on sodium measurement.

Q2: What are normal sodium values?
A: Normal serum sodium is 135-145 mEq/L. Values below 135 indicate hyponatremia, above 145 hypernatremia.

Q3: Are there different correction formulas?
A: Some sources use 2.4 mEq/L decrease per 100 mg/dL glucose increase, but 1.6 is more widely accepted.

Q4: Does this apply to all hyperglycemic states?
A: The formula works best for glucose levels between 100-400 mg/dL. Extreme hyperglycemia may require different approaches.

Q5: Should corrected sodium guide treatment?
A: Yes, especially in diabetic emergencies where fluid management depends on accurate sodium assessment.