1. What is the Corrected Sodium Formula?

The corrected sodium formula adjusts the measured serum sodium level in the presence of hyperglycemia. High glucose levels can cause pseudohyponatremia by drawing water into the intravascular space, diluting sodium concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Blood glucose level (mg/dL)
• 2.4 — 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 increases by approximately 2.4 mEq/L.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium correction is crucial in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia to avoid misdiagnosis of hyponatremia and guide appropriate fluid management.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should sodium correction be applied?
A: Correction should be considered when glucose is >100 mg/dL, especially in diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

Q2: Is 2.4 the only correction factor?
A: Some sources use 1.6 or 2.0, but 2.4 is most widely accepted. The exact factor may vary based on individual patient factors.

Q3: What is the normal range for corrected sodium?
A: Normal serum sodium is 135-145 mEq/L, whether corrected or not. The correction just reveals the "true" sodium level.

Q4: Does this apply to hypoglycemia?
A: No, the formula is only for hyperglycemia. Glucose levels below 100 mg/dL don't require sodium correction.

Q5: How does this affect treatment decisions?
A: Corrected sodium helps determine if true hyponatremia exists, which would require different management than pseudohyponatremia.