1. What is Corrected Sodium?

Corrected sodium is an adjusted sodium value that accounts for the dilutional effect of hyperglycemia. High blood glucose levels cause water to shift from cells to the bloodstream, diluting sodium concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Measured\_Na \) — Serum sodium concentration (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, serum sodium decreases by approximately 1.6 mEq/L.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium correction is crucial for proper management of hyperglycemic states like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).

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: Why correct sodium in hyperglycemia?
A: Hyperglycemia causes osmotic shifts that dilute sodium. Correction provides a more accurate assessment of true sodium status.

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 commonly used.

Q3: When should sodium correction be performed?
A: Correction should be done when glucose is >100 mg/dL to assess true sodium concentration.

Q4: Are there limitations to this correction?
A: The formula assumes linear relationship and may be less accurate at extreme glucose levels.

Q5: How does this affect treatment decisions?
A: Corrected sodium helps guide fluid replacement therapy in hyperglycemic emergencies.