E41 Nutritional marasmus

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Nutritional Marasmus
- ICD-10 Code: E41 

#### Summary
Nutritional marasmus is a severe form of malnutrition characterized by energy deficiency. It primarily affects children and leads to extreme wasting of muscle and fat, making the child appear emaciated.

#### Causes
The condition is primarily caused by inadequate intake of calories and protein. It is often linked to poverty, food insecurity, and sometimes breastfeeding inadequacies or early weaning in developing regions.

#### Risk Factors
- Infants and young children are particularly at risk.
- Poverty and limited access to nutritious food.
- Lack of education about dietary needs.
- Occurrence in regions with high food scarcity.

#### Symptoms
- Significant weight loss and muscle wasting.
- Loose, saggy skin due to fat tissue loss.
- Hunger or irritability.
- Growth retardation in children.
- Sunken eyes and hollow cheeks.

#### Diagnosis
- Clinical evaluation by a healthcare professional including physical exams.
- Monitoring body weight and height against standard growth charts.
- Laboratory tests may include blood tests to rule out other nutritional deficiencies.

#### Treatment Options
- Nutritional rehabilitation with gradual reintroduction of calories and proteins.
- Specialized therapeutic foods like F-75 and F-100 formulas.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Continuous monitoring of weight gain and recovery progress.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With timely and adequate treatment, the prognosis can be favorable. Regular follow-up is crucial to monitor recovery and ensure proper growth and development. However, delayed treatment may lead to long-term health issues.

#### Complications
- Increased susceptibility to infections due to weakened immunity.
- Developmental delays or disabilities.
- Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration.
- Potential irreversible organ damage if not treated promptly.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Ensuring a balanced diet rich in calories and protein.
- Implementing community-based health education programs.
- Enhancing food security and access to nutritious foods.
- Encouraging breastfeeding and appropriate weaning practices.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
Immediate medical attention is required if a child shows signs of severe thinness, listlessness, or deterioration in normal growth patterns.

#### Additional Resources
- [World Health Organization (WHO)](https://www.who.int)
- [UNICEF](https://www.unicef.org)
- Local health departments or community health clinics for support and resources.

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Double-check to ensure that the correct ICD-10 code E41 is used for nutritional marasmus.
- Avoid confusion with similar malnutrition conditions, such as Kwashiorkor.
- Ensure coding reflects the severity and any associated complications noted in patient notes.

Medical Policies and Guidelines for Nutritional marasmus

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