1. What is Hyponatremia Correction?

Hyponatremia correction calculates the adjusted sodium level in the presence of hyperglycemia. High blood glucose levels can cause pseudohyponatremia, and this formula helps determine the true sodium concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the corrected sodium formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured sodium level (mmol/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Blood glucose level (mmol/L)

Explanation: For every 5 mmol/L increase in glucose above 5 mmol/L, sodium decreases by approximately 2 mmol/L. This formula adjusts for this effect.

3. Importance of Corrected Sodium Calculation

Details: Accurate sodium correction is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte imbalances, especially in diabetic patients with hyperglycemia.

4. Using the Calculator

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

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why correct sodium for glucose?
A: High glucose levels cause water to shift from cells to extracellular space, diluting sodium and creating pseudohyponatremia.

Q2: What is the normal range for sodium?
A: Normal serum sodium is typically 135-145 mmol/L. Values below 135 mmol/L indicate hyponatremia.

Q3: When is this correction most important?
A: Particularly important in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) where severe hyperglycemia is present.

Q4: Are there limitations to this formula?
A: This is an estimate. Individual variations exist, and clinical context should always be considered in treatment decisions.

Q5: How often should sodium be monitored during treatment?
A: Sodium should be monitored frequently (every 2-4 hours) during acute treatment of severe hyponatremia or hyperglycemia.