1. What is Sodium Correction?

The sodium correction formula adjusts measured serum sodium levels in the presence of hyperglycemia. High glucose levels can cause pseudohyponatremia, and this calculation provides the corrected sodium value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sodium correction formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Blood 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.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Correcting sodium in hyperglycemic patients is essential for accurate assessment of hyponatremia and appropriate clinical management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be valid (greater than 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should sodium correction be performed?
A: Correction should be performed when glucose is >100 mg/dL to assess true sodium levels.

Q2: What is the clinical significance of corrected sodium?
A: It helps distinguish true hyponatremia from pseudohyponatremia caused by hyperglycemia.

Q3: Are there different correction factors?
A: Some sources use 2.4 mEq/L 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 be used for treatment decisions?
A: Yes, treatment of hyponatremia should be based on the corrected sodium value in hyperglycemic patients.