1. What is the Corrected Sodium Equation?

The corrected sodium equation adjusts measured serum sodium levels in the presence of hyperglycemia. High glucose levels cause osmotic shifts of water from intracellular to extracellular space, diluting sodium concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium equation:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mEq/L)
• \( Factor \) — Correction factor (typically 1.6-2.4)
• \( Glucose \) — Serum glucose level (mg/dL)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the dilutional effect of hyperglycemia on serum sodium levels.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium correction is crucial in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia to guide fluid therapy and prevent inappropriate treatment of pseudohyponatremia.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum sodium in mEq/L, glucose in mg/dL, and select appropriate correction factor (1.6 is most commonly used). All values must be valid (sodium > 0, glucose ≥ 0).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why correct sodium for glucose?
A: High glucose levels cause osmotic water shifts that artificially lower measured sodium levels. Correction provides a more accurate estimate of true sodium concentration.

Q2: What correction factor should I use?
A: Most studies support 1.6 mEq/L reduction per 100 mg/dL glucose increase. Some use 2.4 for severe hyperglycemia (>400 mg/dL).

Q3: When should I use this correction?
A: When glucose is >100 mg/dL. The effect becomes clinically significant when glucose >200 mg/dL.

Q4: Are there limitations to this equation?
A: It may overcorrect at extremely high glucose levels (>600 mg/dL). Clinical judgment should always be used.

Q5: Does this apply to point-of-care glucose measurements?
A: Yes, but ensure glucose measurement is accurate as errors will affect the correction.