Polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia

This code represents an increase in the levels of multiple types of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in the blood, indicating a generalized immune response. It is not a specific disease but rather a laboratory finding often associated with chronic inflammation, infection, or autoimmune disorders.

Use this code when laboratory results confirm elevated levels of several immunoglobulin classes (e.g., IgG, IgA, IgM) without evidence of a monoclonal gammopathy. Documentation should clearly state "polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia" or describe a diffuse increase in immunoglobulins. This finding often accompanies conditions like chronic liver disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or persistent infections.

• Do not confuse with monoclonal gammopathy (e.g., multiple myeloma), which involves an increase in a single immunoglobulin type.
• Always code the underlying cause of the polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia first, if known and documented.
• This code typically serves as a secondary diagnosis, providing further specificity to the patient's immune status.