2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E40Kwashiorkor

ICD-10-CM Codes›E00–E89›E40-E46›E40

ICD-10-CM E40
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

E40 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for kwashiorkor. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 640 through 641. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Malnutrition.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
E40
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Kwashiorkor
Chapter
E40-E46
Malnutrition

Code Classification

ChapterE00–E89Endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
SectionE40-E46Malnutrition
CategoryE40Kwashiorkor
This CodeE40Kwashiorkor

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Kwashiorkor

Tabular List NotesGuidance

Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.

Inclusion Terms

  • Severe malnutrition with nutritional edema with dyspigmentation of skin and hair

Type 1 Excludes

  • marasmic kwashiorkor E42

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Edema, edematous(infectious) (pitting) (toxic)
      • nutritional
        • with dyspigmentation, skin and hair
    • Kwashiorkor
    • Malnutrition
      • degree
        • severe (protein-energy)
          • with
            • kwashiorkor
    • Malnutrition
      • malignant
    • Malnutrition
      • protein
        • calorie
          • severe
            • with
              • kwashiorkor
    • Malnutrition
      • protein
        • energy
          • severe
            • with
              • kwashiorkor
    • Malnutrition
      • severe (protein-energy)
        • with
          • kwashiorkor
    • Pluricarential syndrome of infancy
    • Polycarential syndrome of infancy
    • Syndrome
      • pluricarential of infancy
    • Syndrome
      • plurideficiency
    • Syndrome
      • polycarential of infancy

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR END008
Malnutrition
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Kwashiorkor

    a syndrome produced by severe protein deficiency, characterized by retarded growth, changes in skin and hair pigment, edema, and pathologic changes in the liver, including fatty infiltration, necrosis, and fibrosis. the word is a local name in gold coast, africa, meaning displaced child. although first reported from africa, kwashiorkor is now known throughout the world, but mainly in the tropics and subtropics. it is considered to be related to marasmus. (from dorland, 27th ed)

  • Kwashiorkor

    malnutrition caused by severe protein deficiency. in contrast to marasmus, the total caloric intake is sufficient as the diet may be supported by other nutrients such as carbohydrates. signs may include peripheral edema and ascites.

  • Marasmic Kwashiorkor|Marasmic kwashiorkor

    evidence of marasmic kwashiorkor.

Patient EducationClinical

Malnutrition

Malnutrition means that your body isn't getting enough calories or the right balance of nutrients to stay healthy. This can happen if you don't get enough protein, carbohydrates, and fats, eat too much unhealthy food, or don't get the vitamins and minerals your body needs.

The full article covers:

  • What is malnutrition?
  • What are the types of malnutrition?
  • What causes malnutrition?
  • Who is at risk for developing malnutrition?
  • What are the symptoms of malnutrition?
  • How is malnutrition diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for malnutrition?
  • Can malnutrition be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert E40 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
260 Kwashiorkor
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About E40Overview

Is E40 (Kwashiorkor) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report kwashiorkor on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does E40 group to?

When kwashiorkor is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 640, 641, with relative weights from 0.7782 to 1.3356 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of E40?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, kwashiorkor converts to ICD-9-CM 260 (kwashiorkor). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.