Congenital viral hepatitis

This code signifies a chronic inflammation of the liver present at birth, caused by a viral infection transmitted from the mother to the fetus during pregnancy or delivery. It indicates a persistent viral presence and associated hepatic damage evident from infancy.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of hepatitis of viral etiology that was acquired congenitally. This is supported by physician notes detailing neonatal onset of hepatitis, positive viral markers (e.g., HBV, HCV, CMV, HSV) in the infant, and evidence of maternal infection.

• Differentiate from acquired viral hepatitis in infants; the key is congenital origin.
• Always code the specific viral agent (e.g., B18.0 for chronic viral hepatitis B with delta-agent, B18.1 for chronic viral hepatitis B without delta-agent) as an additional diagnosis if known.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "congenital" or "neonatal onset" of viral hepatitis to support this code.