Name of the Condition

• Preterm newborn, gestational age 33 completed weeks

Summary

• This condition refers to infants who are born at 33 weeks of gestation, which is earlier than the typical full-term gestation period of 37-42 weeks. These newborns are considered moderately preterm and may require specialized care.

Causes

• Preterm birth can occur for various reasons, including maternal health issues, multiple pregnancies (e.g., twins or triplets), infections, and complications like preeclampsia or placenta previa.

Risk Factors

• Factors associated with preterm birth include previous preterm births, carrying multiples, certain infections, high blood pressure, diabetes, inadequate prenatal care, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or substance use during pregnancy.

Symptoms

• The baby may show signs such as low birth weight, difficulty in maintaining body temperature, underdeveloped organs (e.g., lungs), difficulty feeding, and potential breathing difficulties.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is typically confirmed by medical history, prenatal records, gestational age assessment, and physical examination of the newborn after birth.

Treatment Options

• Treatment often involves supportive care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), such as temperature regulation, nutritional support via tube feeding if necessary, respiratory support, and close monitoring for any complications.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate care, many preterm infants born at 33 weeks can have positive outcomes, although they may need follow-up for developmental milestones, growth, and any associated health issues.

Complications

• Potential complications include respiratory distress syndrome, jaundice, infections, digestive issues, and long-term developmental delays.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Preventive measures include regular prenatal care, healthy lifestyle choices, controlling preexisting health conditions, and following medical advice to manage risk factors effectively.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is essential if the infant exhibits unusual behavior like extreme lethargy, feeding difficulties, rapid breathing, or signs of distress.

Additional Resources

• March of Dimes: Link to website
• American Pregnancy Association: Link to website

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of the gestational age in completed weeks.
• Verify the use of ICD code P07.36 for preterm newborns specifically at 33 completed weeks.
• Avoid coding errors by distinguishing between different degrees of prematurity based on specific gestational ages.