1. What is the Sodium Correction Formula?

The sodium correction formula adjusts measured sodium levels in the presence of hyperglycemia. High blood glucose causes osmotic shifts that dilute sodium concentration, making this correction essential for accurate assessment in diabetic patients.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sodium correction 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 hyperglycemia is crucial for accurate assessment of hyponatremia or hypernatremia, guiding fluid management, and preventing inappropriate treatment in diabetic patients.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers. The correction is most significant when glucose is >200 mg/dL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why correct sodium for hyperglycemia?
A: High glucose draws water into the intravascular space, diluting sodium. The correction estimates what the 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 the most widely accepted factor.

Q3: When is correction not needed?
A: When glucose is ≤100 mg/dL, no correction is needed as the formula would not change the sodium value.

Q4: Does this apply to all patients?
A: Primarily for diabetic patients with hyperglycemia. Other causes of pseudohyponatremia may require different approaches.

Q5: How does this affect treatment?
A: Corrected sodium helps determine if true hyponatremia exists and guides appropriate fluid replacement therapy.