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:

• \( Measured\_Na \) — Serum sodium measurement (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Blood 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 correction 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 positive numbers. The correction is most significant when glucose > 200 mg/dL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why correct sodium for glucose?
A: High glucose creates an osmotic gradient that pulls water into the vascular space, diluting sodium concentration.

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

Q3: When is correction unnecessary?
A: When glucose is normal (70-100 mg/dL) or only mildly elevated (<200 mg/dL), the correction is minimal.

Q4: Does this apply to all hyperglycemic states?
A: The formula works for both diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS).

Q5: How does this affect treatment decisions?
A: Corrected sodium helps determine true fluid status and guides appropriate rehydration rates.