Sodium Correction Calculator

Sodium Correction Calculator for Nephrology. Hyperglycemia-related water redistribution causes translocational hyponatremia; it is not the same as laboratory-artifact pseudohyponatremia. The estimate is not a fluid prescription.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

This component uses the Katz-style estimate: measured sodium + 1.6 x ((glucose in mg/dL - 100) / 100). At glucose 100 or below, it returns measured sodium unchanged.

When to use this calculator

To estimate the contribution of hyperglycemia to a measured sodium concentration, alongside measured sodium, osmolality and volume assessment.

Inputs used

  • Measured sodium
  • Glucose

Clinical interpretation

Hyperglycemia-related water redistribution causes translocational hyponatremia; it is not the same as laboratory-artifact pseudohyponatremia. The estimate is not a fluid prescription.

Worked example

With measured sodium 128 mmol/L and glucose 700 mg/dL, the result is 128 + 1.6 x 6 = 137.6 mmol/L. A 2.4 coefficient would give 142.4, but that alternative is not offered by this component.

Limitations and safety notes

The correction coefficient is approximate and may differ across glucose ranges and clinical conditions. Measured sodium and osmolality must still be monitored during treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Should rising sodium during glucose treatment automatically trigger hypotonic fluid?

No. The 2024 consensus relates fluid changes to the complete osmolality and fluid-balance response, not sodium rise alone.

Does this tool let me choose Hillier's coefficient?

No. It implements 1.6; the alternative is discussed only as uncertainty in the estimate.

References

  • Hyperglycemic Crises in Adults With Diabetes: A Consensus Report. Diabetes Care. 2024. https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/47/8/1257/156808/Hyperglycemic-Crises-in-Adults-With-Diabetes-A
  • Hillier TA et al. Hyponatremia: evaluating the correction factor for hyperglycemia. 1999. PMID: 10225241. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10225241/

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 7, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

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