Understanding Decreased White Blood Cells (Leukopenia) is crucial for accurate clinical documentation and medical coding. This resource provides information on low white blood cell count diagnosis, including causes, symptoms, and treatment. Learn about Leukopenia ICD-10 codes, SNOMED CT codes, and relevant lab tests for diagnosing a low WBC count. Improve your healthcare knowledge and coding practices with this comprehensive guide on Decreased White Blood Cells.
Also known as
Diseases of white blood cells
Covers various disorders affecting white blood cell production and function.
Aplastic anemia
Bone marrow failure leading to reduced blood cell production, including white blood cells.
Leukopenia, unspecified
Used when a more specific cause for low white blood cell count is not identified.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the leukopenia due to drug therapy?
Yes
Specify drug if known
No
Is it congenital?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Low white blood cell count. |
| Low neutrophil count. |
| Low lymphocyte count. |
Coding leukopenia without specifying the type (e.g., neutropenia, lymphopenia) can lead to inaccurate severity and reimbursement.
Failing to code the underlying cause of leukopenia (e.g., chemotherapy, infection) impacts data analysis and quality metrics.
Documentation must support the severity of leukopenia (mild, moderate, severe) for accurate coding and clinical validation.
Q: What are the most common causes of severe leukopenia in adult patients, and how do their presentations differ?
A: Severe leukopenia (absolute neutrophil count < 500/µL) in adult patients can be caused by a range of factors, broadly categorized into decreased production and increased destruction. Decreased production can be due to bone marrow failure syndromes (e.g., aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes), vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, or drug-induced myelosuppression (e.g., chemotherapy, clozapine). Patients with these conditions may present with fatigue, weakness, infections (particularly bacterial), and pallor. Increased destruction, often seen in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or Felty's syndrome, can present with symptoms related to the underlying disease, such as joint pain, rash, and splenomegaly, in addition to infection risk. Infiltrative bone marrow diseases like leukemia and lymphoma can also lead to leukopenia, and presentations vary based on the specific type of malignancy. Precise diagnosis requires thorough history-taking, physical exam, complete blood count with differential, and often bone marrow biopsy. Consider implementing a standardized diagnostic approach for low white blood cell counts to ensure timely and accurate identification of the underlying etiology. Explore how different diagnostic pathways impact patient outcomes and management strategies.
Q: How do I differentiate between drug-induced neutropenia and other causes of low white blood cell count in patients receiving chemotherapy?
A: Differentiating drug-induced neutropenia from other causes of leukopenia in chemotherapy patients requires careful consideration of the patient's treatment regimen, timing of neutropenia onset, and other clinical findings. Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is expected and typically occurs within a predictable timeframe after administration, correlating with the drug's myelosuppressive effects. However, infections, vitamin deficiencies, or disease progression can exacerbate or mimic drug-induced neutropenia. Obtain a thorough medication history, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, and consider the possibility of drug interactions. Evaluate for signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever, chills, and localized inflammation. Compare the patient's current absolute neutrophil count (ANC) trajectory with their expected ANC nadir based on their chemotherapy protocol. If the neutropenia is significantly more severe or prolonged than anticipated, or if signs of infection are present, investigate further with blood cultures, imaging studies, and potentially bone marrow biopsy. Learn more about best practices for managing chemotherapy-induced neutropenia to optimize patient safety and minimize treatment disruptions.
Patient presents with leukopenia, also known as a decreased white blood cell count or low WBC count. Symptoms reported include [insert patient-specific symptoms, e.g., fatigue, weakness, recurrent infections, fever, chills]. Physical examination revealed [insert relevant findings, e.g., pallor, lymphadenopathy, signs of infection]. Complete blood count (CBC) demonstrates leukopenia with a total white blood cell count of [insert value] x 10^9/L. Differential count shows [insert differential values, e.g., neutropenia, lymphopenia]. Given the low white blood cell count, further investigation is warranted to determine the underlying etiology. Differential diagnosis includes viral infection, bone marrow suppression, autoimmune disease, certain medications, and nutritional deficiencies. The patient's medical history includes [insert relevant medical history, e.g., recent chemotherapy, HIV infection, autoimmune disorders]. A peripheral blood smear has been ordered to assess cell morphology. Further laboratory tests, including [insert planned tests, e.g., bone marrow biopsy, HIV test, antinuclear antibody panel], are being considered based on clinical presentation and preliminary laboratory results. Patient education provided regarding signs and symptoms of infection and the importance of prompt medical attention. Plan to monitor white blood cell count and adjust treatment plan accordingly. ICD-10 code [insert appropriate code, e.g., D72.829] is being considered, pending further diagnostic evaluation. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [duration] to review results and discuss further management.