1. What is the Corrected Sodium Formula?

The corrected sodium formula adjusts the measured sodium level in patients with hyperglycemia. High glucose levels can cause pseudohyponatremia by osmotic fluid shifts, and this calculation provides a more accurate sodium value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Measured Na} \) — Serum sodium (mmol/L)
• \( \text{Glucose} \) — Blood glucose (mg/dL)

Explanation: For every 100 mg/dL increase in glucose above 100 mg/dL, sodium decreases by approximately 1.6-2.4 mmol/L. This formula uses a correction factor of 4 (dividing by 100 and multiplying by 4 gives the standard 1.6 mEq/L correction per 100 mg/dL glucose).

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium measurement is crucial for managing fluid balance, neurological status, and guiding treatment in diabetic emergencies like DKA or HHS.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should I use this correction?
A: Use when glucose is >100 mg/dL (especially >200 mg/dL) to assess true sodium status.

Q2: Are there different correction factors?
A: Some sources use 2.4 instead of 4 (1.6 mEq/L drop per 100 mg/dL glucose). The 4 factor accounts for both intracellular and extracellular fluid shifts.

Q3: Does this apply to all hyperglycemic states?
A: Yes, but most important in severe hyperglycemia (glucose >400 mg/dL) where the sodium discrepancy is greatest.

Q4: What about point-of-care sodium measurements?
A: Direct ion-selective electrode measurements may not require this correction as they measure sodium activity rather than concentration.

Q5: How does this affect treatment decisions?
A: Corrected sodium helps determine true fluid status and guides fluid replacement rate and composition in hyperglycemic emergencies.