1. What is the Corrected Sodium Formula?

The corrected sodium formula adjusts serum sodium levels in hyperglycemic patients to account for the dilutional effect of high glucose levels. It provides a more accurate assessment of true sodium concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Serum sodium (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Blood glucose level (mg/dL)
• 1.6 — Correction factor (mEq/L per 100 mg/dL glucose > 100)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the osmotic shift of water from intracellular to extracellular space caused by hyperglycemia, which dilutes sodium concentration.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium correction is crucial for proper diagnosis and management of electrolyte imbalances in diabetic patients, especially those with diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter serum 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: High glucose causes osmotic water movement, diluting sodium. Correction gives the "true" sodium concentration.

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 corrected sodium be used?
A: For glucose levels >100 mg/dL, especially in diabetic emergencies.

Q4: What's a normal corrected sodium range?
A: Same as regular sodium: 135-145 mEq/L.

Q5: Does this apply to hyponatremia with hyperglycemia?
A: Yes, it helps distinguish true hyponatremia from pseudohyponatremia due to hyperglycemia.