1. What is Corrected Sodium Calculation?

The corrected sodium calculation adjusts measured serum sodium levels in patients with hyperglycemia, particularly in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Hyperglycemia causes osmotic fluid shifts that dilute sodium, making the measured value appear lower than the actual sodium concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Measured Na} \) — Serum sodium measurement (mEq/L)
• \( \text{Glucose} \) — Blood glucose level (mg/dL)
• 1.6 — Correction factor 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 due to dilutional effects.

3. Importance of Corrected Sodium in DKA

Details: Accurate sodium correction is crucial in DKA management as it helps assess true fluid status, guides fluid replacement therapy, and prevents complications from inappropriate sodium correction.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator will provide the corrected sodium value accounting for hyperglycemia-induced dilution.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is sodium correction necessary in hyperglycemia?
A: Hyperglycemia causes water to shift from intracellular to extracellular space, diluting sodium and giving falsely low readings. Correction provides the true sodium concentration.

Q2: Is the 1.6 correction factor always accurate?
A: The 1.6 factor is widely used but may vary slightly between individuals. Some sources suggest factors between 1.6-2.4 mEq/L per 100 mg/dL glucose increase.

Q3: When should corrected sodium be calculated?
A: Corrected sodium should be calculated whenever blood glucose exceeds 100 mg/dL, particularly in diabetic emergencies like DKA or HHS.

Q4: How does corrected sodium affect treatment decisions?
A: Corrected sodium helps determine appropriate fluid resuscitation rates and prevents overly rapid sodium correction which could cause complications.

Q5: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This calculation assumes linear relationship and may be less accurate at extreme glucose levels or in patients with mixed acid-base disorders.