1. What is the Corrected Sodium Formula?

The corrected sodium formula adjusts measured serum sodium levels 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 equation:

Where:

• \( Measured\ Na \) — Serum sodium concentration (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Serum 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 concentration increases by approximately 1.6 mEq/L.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium measurement is crucial for managing electrolyte imbalances, especially in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia. Failure to correct can lead to inappropriate treatment of apparent hyponatremia.

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 emergencies with significant hyperglycemia.

Q2: Are there alternative correction factors?
A: Some sources use 2.4 mEq/L per 100 mg/dL glucose increase, but 1.6 is more widely accepted for mild-moderate hyperglycemia.

Q3: Does this apply to point-of-care testing?
A: Most point-of-care devices measure sodium directly and don't require correction for glucose levels.

Q4: What about severe hyperglycemia?
A: For glucose >400 mg/dL, some experts recommend using a correction factor of 2.4 mEq/L per 100 mg/dL increase.

Q5: Does this correction apply to all causes of hyponatremia?
A: No, this only corrects for the dilutional effect of hyperglycemia. Other causes of hyponatremia require different evaluation and management.