Kwashiorkor (E40)
This section covers the ICD-10 code E40, which is specifically used for Kwashiorkor, a severe form of malnutrition.
Kwashiorkor is a condition marked by protein deficiency, often occurring in children who have insufficient protein intake despite adequate calorie consumption. Known simply as "Kwashiorkor," this code pinpointedly documents cases of this type of malnutrition in medical records and billing. Using the ICD-10 code for Kwashiorkor (E40) helps healthcare providers accurately identify and classify this distinct nutritional disorder. This precision assists in ensuring proper treatment, monitoring, and reporting of malnutrition cases where Kwashiorkor is diagnosed, differentiating it clearly from other types of malnutrition in clinical and administrative settings.
Instructional Notations
Inclusion Terms
These terms are the conditions for which that code is to be used. The terms may be synonyms of the code title, or, in the case of "other specified" codes, the terms are a list of the various conditions assigned to that code. The inclusion terms are not necessarily exhaustive. Additional terms found only in the Alphabetic Index may also be assigned to a code.
- Severe malnutrition with nutritional edema with dyspigmentation of skin and hair
Type 1 Excludes
A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.
- marasmic kwashiorkor E42
Clinical Terms
The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.
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)
