1. What is Corrected Sodium?

Corrected sodium calculation 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 formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mmol/L)
• \( glucose \) — Serum glucose level (mg/dL)
• 100 — Reference glucose level (mg/dL)
• 0.016 — Correction factor

Explanation: For every 100 mg/dL increase in glucose above normal, sodium decreases by approximately 1.6 mmol/L. This formula accounts for that relationship.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium measurement is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte imbalances, particularly in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mmol/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be valid positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should sodium correction be calculated?
A: Correction should be applied when glucose levels exceed 100 mg/dL, particularly in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia.

Q2: What is the clinical significance of corrected sodium?
A: It provides a more accurate assessment of true sodium status, helping guide appropriate fluid and electrolyte management.

Q3: Are there different correction formulas?
A: Yes, some sources use 2.4 mmol/L decrease per 100 mg/dL glucose increase, but 1.6 mmol/L is more widely accepted.

Q4: Does this apply to all types of hyponatremia?
A: This correction specifically addresses dilutional hyponatremia caused by hyperglycemia, not other forms of hyponatremia.

Q5: How often should sodium be monitored in diabetic patients?
A: Sodium should be monitored during episodes of hyperglycemia, particularly in diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.