Sepsis of newborn due to streptococcus, group B

This code signifies a severe systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in a newborn infant caused by an infection with Group B Streptococcus (GBS). It indicates a life-threatening condition where the bacterial infection has spread throughout the bloodstream, leading to organ dysfunction.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a newborn has sepsis and laboratory confirmation or strong clinical suspicion points to Group B Streptococcus as the causative organism. This typically applies to infants presenting with fever, lethargy, poor feeding, respiratory distress, or other signs of systemic infection shortly after birth, with GBS identified in blood cultures or other sterile sites.

• Always confirm the newborn's age; this code is specific to the neonatal period.
• Ensure documentation clearly identifies Group B Streptococcus as the infectious agent, not just "streptococcus."
• Consider sequencing this code as the principal diagnosis when it is the primary reason for admission and treatment.