Late metabolic acidosis of newborn
ICD-10 P74.0 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of late metabolic acidosis of newborn.
Late metabolic acidosis in newborns is characterized by a decrease in blood pH and bicarbonate levels, typically occurring after the first 24 hours of life. This condition can arise from various factors, including inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues, renal dysfunction, or metabolic disturbances. In neonates, late metabolic acidosis may be associated with conditions such as sepsis, hypoxia, or congenital anomalies affecting metabolism. Clinically, it can present with lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, and hypotonia. Diagnosis is confirmed through arterial blood gas analysis, which reveals a low pH and low bicarbonate levels. Management involves addressing the underlying cause, providing supportive care, and in some cases, administering bicarbonate therapy. Close monitoring of electrolytes and acid-base status is crucial in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting to prevent complications such as organ dysfunction or failure.
Detailed documentation of clinical signs, laboratory results, and treatment plans is essential. Include any relevant maternal history that may contribute to the newborn's condition.
Common scenarios include a preterm infant presenting with respiratory distress and metabolic acidosis due to sepsis or a term infant with congenital heart disease leading to hypoxia and subsequent acidosis.
Consider the impact of gestational age and birth weight on the infant's metabolic status. Accurate coding requires understanding the interplay between various neonatal conditions.
Documentation should reflect the transition from neonatal to pediatric care, including any ongoing metabolic issues and their management.
Pediatric scenarios may involve follow-up care for infants discharged with metabolic disturbances, requiring careful monitoring and management of electrolyte levels.
Pediatric coders should be aware of the long-term implications of metabolic acidosis and its potential sequelae in growth and development.
Used to assess acid-base status in newborns suspected of metabolic acidosis.
Document the indication for the test and the clinical findings leading to the analysis.
Neonatologists should ensure that the results are interpreted in the context of the infant's overall clinical picture.
Common causes include renal failure, sepsis, hypoxia, and metabolic disorders. Each case requires careful evaluation of the infant's clinical status and laboratory results.
