1. What is Delta Sodium?

Delta Sodium (ΔNa) represents the change in serum sodium concentration between two measurements. It's calculated by subtracting the initial sodium value from the final sodium value.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple equation:

Where:

• \( Final\ Na \) — Most recent serum sodium measurement (mEq/L)
• \( Initial\ Na \) — Previous serum sodium measurement (mEq/L)

Explanation: The equation calculates the absolute change in sodium concentration between two time points.

3. Importance of Delta Sodium Calculation

Details: Tracking changes in serum sodium helps monitor treatment effectiveness for hyponatremia or hypernatremia, assess fluid balance, and guide therapeutic interventions.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both sodium values in mEq/L. The calculator will compute the difference (final - initial). Positive values indicate sodium has increased, negative values indicate it has decreased.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a clinically significant change in sodium?
A: Changes ≥5 mEq/L in 24 hours are generally considered significant and may require intervention.

Q2: How quickly should sodium be corrected?
A: For chronic hyponatremia, correction should not exceed 6-8 mEq/L in 24 hours to avoid osmotic demyelination.

Q3: What factors can affect sodium measurements?
A: Sample handling, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and recent fluid administration can all affect results.

Q4: When should sodium levels be rechecked?
A: Frequency depends on clinical status, but typically every 4-12 hours during active treatment of sodium disorders.

Q5: Does this calculator account for units other than mEq/L?
A: No, this calculator uses mEq/L units exclusively. Convert mmol/L to mEq/L if needed (they are equivalent for sodium).