1. What is Corrected Serum Sodium?

Corrected serum sodium accounts for the dilutional effect of hyperglycemia on measured sodium levels. This calculation provides a more accurate assessment of true sodium concentration in patients with elevated blood glucose.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Serum glucose level (mg/dL)
• 1.6 — Correction factor (mEq/L 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 osmotic fluid shifts.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Accurate sodium assessment is crucial in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia to guide fluid management and prevent inappropriate treatment of pseudohyponatremia.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should sodium correction be performed?
A: Correction should be done when glucose is >100 mg/dL, especially in diabetic ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state.

Q2: Is 1.6 the only correction factor used?
A: Some sources use 2.4 for more severe hyperglycemia (>400 mg/dL), but 1.6 is the most widely accepted factor.

Q3: Does this apply to hypoglycemia?
A: No, the formula is only for hyperglycemia. Glucose levels below 100 mg/dL don't require sodium correction.

Q4: Why does hyperglycemia affect sodium levels?
A: Elevated glucose increases plasma osmolality, drawing water from cells into the extracellular space, diluting sodium concentration.

Q5: Are there limitations to this correction?
A: The formula assumes steady-state conditions and may be less accurate with rapidly changing glucose levels or severe hyperglycemia.