Polycythemia neonatorum

Polycythemia neonatorum refers to an abnormally high red blood cell count or hemoglobin concentration in a newborn infant. This condition can lead to increased blood viscosity, potentially impairing blood flow to various organs and causing symptoms such as plethora, lethargy, and respiratory distress.

This code is appropriate when documentation confirms a diagnosis of polycythemia specifically in a neonate, typically defined as a venous hematocrit greater than 65% or hemoglobin greater than 22 g/dL. It applies to cases identified at birth or shortly thereafter, often associated with factors like delayed cord clamping, maternal diabetes, or placental insufficiency.

• Differentiate from polycythemia in older children or adults, which would be coded elsewhere.
• Ensure documentation specifies "neonatorum" or indicates the condition occurred in a newborn.
• Consider sequencing with codes for any associated symptoms or complications, such as hyperbilirubinemia or respiratory distress.