1. What is the Corrected Sodium Formula for DKA?

The corrected sodium formula adjusts measured serum sodium levels in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) who have hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia causes osmotic shifts that dilute sodium concentration, and this formula provides a more accurate estimate of true sodium levels.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mmol/L)
• \( glucose \) — Blood glucose level (mg/dL)
• 1.6 — 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 mmol/L due to osmotic fluid shifts.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction in DKA

Details: Accurate sodium measurement is crucial in DKA management as it affects fluid resuscitation decisions and helps monitor the response to treatment. Uncorrected sodium levels may appear falsely low, potentially leading to inappropriate clinical decisions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mmol/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be valid positive numbers. The calculator will provide the corrected sodium value which better reflects the true sodium concentration.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is sodium correction necessary in DKA?
A: Hyperglycemia in DKA causes water to move from intracellular to extracellular space, diluting sodium concentration. Correction provides a more accurate assessment of true sodium levels.

Q2: Is the correction factor always 1.6?
A: While 1.6 is the most commonly used factor, some studies suggest variations between 1.6-2.4 mmol/L per 100 mg/dL glucose increase. Always follow your institution's guidelines.

Q3: When should corrected sodium be used?
A: Corrected sodium should be calculated in all hyperglycemic patients, particularly those with glucose levels >200 mg/dL, to guide appropriate fluid management.

Q4: What are the limitations of this formula?
A: The formula assumes a linear relationship and may be less accurate at extreme glucose levels or in the presence of other osmotically active substances.

Q5: How does corrected sodium affect treatment decisions?
A: Corrected sodium helps determine the appropriate fluid composition (hypotonic vs. isotonic) and monitor for complications like cerebral edema during DKA treatment.