1. What is Sodium Correction in Hyperglycemia?

Sodium correction in hyperglycemia is a calculation used to adjust measured sodium levels in patients with elevated blood glucose. Hyperglycemia can cause pseudohyponatremia due to osmotic fluid shifts, and this correction provides a more accurate assessment of true sodium status.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sodium correction formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Measured Na} \) — Serum sodium measurement (mEq/L)
• \( \text{Glucose} \) — Blood glucose level (mg/dL)
• 0.016 — 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 dilution.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium assessment is crucial in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia to avoid misdiagnosis of hyponatremia and guide appropriate fluid and electrolyte management.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be valid positive numbers. The calculator will provide the corrected sodium value.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is sodium correction necessary in hyperglycemia?
A: Hyperglycemia causes water to move from intracellular to extracellular space, diluting sodium and creating pseudohyponatremia. Correction provides the true sodium concentration.

Q2: What is the clinical significance of corrected sodium?
A: Corrected sodium helps determine appropriate fluid therapy and avoid unnecessary treatment for apparent hyponatremia that doesn't actually exist.

Q3: When should this correction be applied?
A: This correction should be used when blood glucose is elevated (>100 mg/dL) to obtain a more accurate assessment of sodium status.

Q4: Are there limitations to this correction formula?
A: The formula provides an estimate and may not be accurate in all clinical situations, particularly with extreme hyperglycemia or in patients with mixed electrolyte disorders.

Q5: How often should sodium be corrected in diabetic patients?
A: Correction should be performed whenever hyperglycemia is present and sodium interpretation is clinically important for treatment decisions.