Disseminated intravascular coagulation of newborn

This code signifies a severe, life-threatening condition in neonates characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation system, leading to simultaneous thrombosis and hemorrhage. It results from an underlying disease process, causing consumption of clotting factors and platelets.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in a newborn. This typically occurs in the context of severe neonatal sepsis, asphyxia, or other critical illnesses. Supporting documentation should include laboratory findings indicative of DIC (e.g., prolonged PT/aPTT, decreased fibrinogen, elevated D-dimer, thrombocytopenia) and clinical signs of both bleeding and clotting.

• Always code the underlying cause of the newborn's DIC first, if known and documented.
• Do not confuse with adult forms of DIC; this code is specific to the neonatal period.
• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "newborn" or "neonate" to support this code.