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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. E00–E89
  4. E40-E46
  5. Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition (E43)

Unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition (E43)

ICD-10 code E43 is used to identify unspecified severe protein-calorie malnutrition, a serious condition where the body lacks adequate protein and calories. This code applies when the specific cause or type of malnutrition is not detailed but the severity is significant.

In medical coding, recognizing E43 helps capture cases of severe malnutrition often described by terms such as starvation, semi-starvation, or nutritional edema. For instance, it includes conditions where severe protein-calorie deficits occur due to chronic illness or diabetes types 1 and 2, even if the underlying reason isn't fully specified. This code also corresponds with descriptions like "severe protein-calorie malnutrition (Gomez method, less than 60% of standard weight)," guiding coders to precisely classify malnutrition when classical diagnostic details are absent. The ICD-10 code for severe protein-calorie malnutrition ensures proper documentation of critical nutritional deficiency states for effective clinical management and health record accuracy.

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.

  • Starvation edema

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.

Child Nutrition Disorders

Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, occurring in children ages 2 to 12 years.

Fetal Nutrition Disorders

Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, in the FETUS in utero.

Fetus

The unborn young of a viviparous mammal, in the postembryonic period, after the major structures have been outlined. In humans, the unborn young from the end of the eighth week after CONCEPTION until BIRTH, as distinguished from the earlier EMBRYO, MAMMALIAN.

Infant Nutrition Disorders

Disorders caused by nutritional imbalance, either overnutrition or undernutrition, occurring in infants ages 1 month to 24 months.

Malnutrition

An imbalanced nutritional status resulting from insufficient intake of nutrients to meet normal physiological requirement.

Protein-Energy Malnutrition

The lack of sufficient energy or protein to meet the body's metabolic demands, as a result of either an inadequate dietary intake of protein, intake of poor quality dietary protein, increased demands due to disease, or increased nutrient losses.

Severe Acute Malnutrition

Acute form of MALNUTRITION which usually affects children, characterized by a very low weight for height (below -3z scores of the median World Health Organization standards), visible severe wasting, or occurrence of nutritional EDEMA. It can be a direct or indirect cause of fatality in children suffering from DIARRHEA and PNEUMONIA. Do not confuse with starvation, a condition in which the body is not getting enough food, usually for extended periods of time.

Starvation

Lengthy and continuous deprivation of food. (Stedman, 25th ed)