Arrested development following protein-calorie malnutrition

This code signifies a state of impaired physical and/or cognitive growth and development that occurs as a direct consequence of prolonged or severe protein-calorie malnutrition. It indicates that the developmental progress has been halted or significantly slowed due to inadequate nutritional intake, rather than a congenital or genetic anomaly.

Use this code for patients, particularly children, who exhibit a failure to thrive or developmental delays directly attributed to a history of inadequate protein and calorie intake. Documentation should clearly link the developmental arrest to a diagnosed or historical state of protein-calorie malnutrition, such as marasmus or kwashiorkor.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "arrested development" or "developmental arrest" in conjunction with protein-calorie malnutrition.
• Do not use for general malnutrition without documented developmental impact.
• Sequence as a secondary diagnosis when the primary reason for the encounter is the underlying cause of the malnutrition or a specific complication.