Nutritional marasmus

This code represents a severe form of protein-energy malnutrition characterized by extreme emaciation due to a chronic deficiency of both calories and protein. Patients present with significant weight loss, muscle wasting, and subcutaneous fat depletion, often appearing "skin and bones" but without significant edema. It reflects a state of severe undernutrition impacting overall body mass.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates severe caloric and protein deficiency leading to marked emaciation and muscle wasting, consistent with marasmus. This diagnosis is typically supported by anthropometric measurements (e.g., very low weight-for-height or weight-for-age, low BMI), clinical signs of severe wasting, and a history of inadequate nutritional intake.

• Differentiate from kwashiorkor (protein deficiency with edema) and marasmic kwashiorkor (mixed features).
• Always look for underlying causes of malnutrition and code them secondarily if identified (e.g., chronic disease, malabsorption).
• Ensure documentation specifies "marasmus" or provides a detailed clinical picture consistent with severe caloric and protein deprivation.