1. What is Corrected Sodium?

The corrected sodium calculation adjusts the measured sodium value in hyperglycemic patients to account for the dilutional effect of high glucose levels. This provides a more accurate assessment of the patient's true sodium status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Measured\_Na \) — Serum sodium measurement (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Blood glucose level (mg/dL)
• 1.6 — Correction factor (mEq/L per 100 mg/dL glucose above 100)

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

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Correcting sodium in hyperglycemic patients is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte imbalances, particularly in diabetic emergencies like DKA.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why correct sodium for glucose?
A: High glucose causes water to shift from cells to extracellular space, diluting sodium. Correction estimates what sodium would be if glucose were normal.

Q2: Is 1.6 the only correction factor?
A: Some sources use 2.4 for more severe hyperglycemia (>400 mg/dL), but 1.6 is most widely accepted for moderate hyperglycemia.

Q3: When should corrected sodium be used?
A: When glucose is >100 mg/dL. The effect is negligible below this level.

Q4: Does this apply to all hyperglycemic states?
A: The relationship is most consistent in DKA and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic states.

Q5: What about other osmoles?
A: This correction doesn't account for other osmotically active substances like mannitol or glycine.