1. What is the Corrected Sodium Formula?

The corrected sodium formula accounts for the dilutional effect of hyperglycemia on serum sodium levels. It provides a more accurate assessment of sodium concentration in patients with elevated blood glucose levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the MDCalc formula:

Where:

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

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

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Correcting sodium for hyperglycemia is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of electrolyte disorders, particularly 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.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is sodium correction necessary?
A: High glucose levels cause water to shift from cells to extracellular space, diluting sodium. Correction gives the "true" sodium concentration.

Q2: What is the normal range for corrected sodium?
A: Normal range is 135-145 mEq/L, same as uncorrected sodium. The formula just accounts for glucose's dilutional effect.

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

Q4: Are there alternative correction factors?
A: Some sources use 2.4 instead of 1.6, but 1.6 is more widely accepted and evidence-based.

Q5: Does this apply to all hyperglycemic states?
A: The formula works best for hyperglycemia due to diabetes. Other causes may have different relationships.