Iatrogenic carnitine deficiency
ICD-10 E71.43 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of iatrogenic carnitine deficiency.
Iatrogenic carnitine deficiency is a metabolic disorder characterized by a deficiency of carnitine, a quaternary ammonium compound essential for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for beta-oxidation. This condition is often induced by medical interventions, such as the use of certain medications (e.g., valproic acid) or dietary restrictions that lead to inadequate carnitine levels. Symptoms may include muscle weakness, fatigue, hypoglycemia, and cardiomyopathy. Diagnosis typically involves biochemical testing to measure plasma carnitine levels and may require genetic testing to rule out hereditary forms of carnitine deficiency. Management focuses on dietary supplementation of carnitine and addressing the underlying cause of the deficiency. Understanding the iatrogenic nature of this condition is crucial for appropriate coding and treatment, as it highlights the importance of monitoring patients on specific medications or dietary regimens that may affect carnitine metabolism.
Detailed history of medication use, dietary habits, and biochemical test results.
Patients on long-term valproic acid therapy presenting with unexplained fatigue or muscle weakness.
Endocrinologists should ensure that all relevant metabolic tests are documented to support the diagnosis.
Assessment of dietary intake and any restrictions that may contribute to carnitine deficiency.
Patients with restrictive diets or malabsorption syndromes presenting with symptoms of deficiency.
Nutritionists should document dietary assessments thoroughly to justify the diagnosis.
Used to confirm diagnosis of carnitine deficiency.
Document the reason for testing and any relevant clinical findings.
Endocrinologists should ensure that the test results are linked to the diagnosis.
Iatrogenic carnitine deficiency is primarily caused by medications that interfere with carnitine metabolism, such as valproic acid, or by dietary restrictions that limit carnitine intake.
