Invasive meningococcal disease
ICD-10 A44 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease.
Invasive meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis, which can lead to meningitis and septicemia. This condition is characterized by the rapid onset of symptoms such as fever, headache, neck stiffness, and altered mental status. Invasive meningococcal disease can occur in healthy individuals but poses a higher risk to immunocompromised patients, including those with asplenia, complement deficiencies, or undergoing immunosuppressive therapy. The disease can progress rapidly, leading to severe complications and high mortality rates if not treated promptly. Diagnosis is often challenging due to the nonspecific nature of early symptoms and the need for lumbar puncture or blood cultures to confirm the presence of the bacteria. Vaccination is a key preventive measure, especially in high-risk populations, and timely recognition and treatment are critical to improving outcomes.
Detailed clinical history, laboratory results, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with fever, rash, and neurological symptoms.
Need for thorough documentation of immunocompromised status and vaccination history.
Accurate recording of vaccination status and family history.
Children presenting with sudden onset of fever and altered mental status.
Consideration of age-related presentation differences and rapid deterioration.
Used to confirm the diagnosis of invasive meningococcal disease.
Document the source of the culture and results.
Infectious disease specialists may require additional documentation of clinical findings.
Common symptoms include sudden onset of fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. A petechial or purpuric rash may also be present.
