Refractory anemia with excess of blasts 1

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and an increased percentage of blasts (5-9%) in the bone marrow or 2-4% in the peripheral blood. It represents a specific subtype of MDS with a higher risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) compared to other MDS types.

🎯When to Use

Assign this code for patients diagnosed with refractory anemia where bone marrow biopsy or peripheral blood smear confirms an excess of blasts within the specified range (5-9% in marrow, 2-4% in blood). Documentation should clearly state the diagnosis of "refractory anemia with excess blasts-1" or "RAEB-1" and include the blast percentage.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure the blast percentage documented aligns with the "1" subtype (5-9% marrow, 2-4% peripheral blood); higher percentages would indicate RAEB-2.
Do not confuse with other MDS subtypes like refractory anemia (D46.0) or refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia (D46.4).
Always review the pathology report for definitive blast counts and the specific MDS classification.

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Clinical Notes

Inclusion Terms

RAEB 1

Code Hierarchy

▲D46.2Refractory anemia with excess of blasts [RAEB]

D46.21(current)

Crosswalks

238.72ApproxICD-9 238.72ApproxICD-9

Same Category

D46Myelodysplastic syndromes D46.0Refractory anemia without ring sideroblasts, so stated D46.1Refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts D46.2Refractory anemia with excess of blasts [RAEB]