1. What is Corrected Sodium?

Corrected sodium is an adjusted sodium value that accounts for the dilutional effect of hyperglycemia. In patients with high blood glucose levels, serum sodium appears artificially low due to fluid shifts, and this calculation provides a more accurate reflection of true sodium concentration.

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: Correcting sodium in hyperglycemic patients is essential for accurate assessment of hyponatremia or hypernatremia, guiding fluid management decisions, and preventing inappropriate treatment.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers. The calculator automatically applies the correction for glucose levels above 100 mg/dL.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: When should sodium correction be performed?
A: Correction should be considered when glucose is >100 mg/dL, especially in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia.

Q2: Is 1.6 the only correction factor?
A: Some sources use 2.4 mEq/L per 100 mg/dL glucose, but 1.6 is more widely accepted and evidence-based.

Q3: Does this apply to all hyperglycemic states?
A: The correction is most accurate for glucose levels between 100-400 mg/dL. Extreme hyperglycemia may require different approaches.

Q4: Why is sodium lower in hyperglycemia?
A: High glucose creates osmotic pressure, pulling water from cells into the bloodstream, diluting sodium concentration.

Q5: Should corrected sodium guide treatment?
A: Yes, treatment decisions for hyponatremia or hypernatremia should be based on corrected sodium values in hyperglycemic patients.