Name of the Condition

• Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis, unspecified

Summary

Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis is a long-term kidney disorder characterized by inflammation and scarring of the kidney tubules and surrounding interstitial tissue. This condition affects the kidney’s ability to filter waste from the blood effectively.

Causes

• The exact cause of this unspecified form may be unclear, but potential causes include prolonged drug exposure (e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or other unknown factors.

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in older adults.
• Chronic use of certain medications.
• History of urinary tract infections.
• Exposure to toxins or heavy metals.

Symptoms

• Fatigue.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Anemia.
• Proteinuria (protein in urine).

Diagnosis

• Blood tests to assess kidney function (e.g., serum creatinine).
• Urinalysis to detect abnormalities.
• Kidney imaging, such as ultrasound, to visualize structural changes.
• Kidney biopsy to examine tissue for definitive diagnosis.

Treatment Options

• Medication adjustments or discontinuation of harmful drugs.
• Corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation.
• Treatment of underlying causes, such as antibiotics for infections.
• Blood pressure control through antihypertensive medications.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis varies depending on the cause but managing inflammation and addressing underlying factors can slow progression.
• Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential for monitoring kidney function and adjusting treatment strategies.

Complications

• Progression to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.
• Increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Electrolyte imbalances.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Avoid prolonged use of nephrotoxic drugs.
• Maintain a healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Stay hydrated, but not excessively.
• Avoid exposure to known environmental toxins.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Sudden changes in urination patterns.
• Persistent fatigue or unexplained nausea.
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet.

Additional Resources

• National Kidney Foundation: www.kidney.org
• American Society of Nephrology: www.asn-online.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity by documenting any known underlying causes or associated conditions.
• Avoid using the unspecified code if additional information is available to select a more precise code.