Defibrination syndrome

This code represents a severe, life-threatening coagulopathy characterized by widespread activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to the consumption of clotting factors and platelets, and subsequent uncontrolled bleeding and microvascular thrombosis. It is often a secondary complication of underlying conditions such as sepsis, trauma, malignancy, or obstetric complications.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of defibrination syndrome, also known as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This diagnosis is typically supported by laboratory findings showing prolonged prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), decreased fibrinogen, elevated D-dimer, and thrombocytopenia, alongside clinical signs of both bleeding and thrombosis.

• Always code the underlying cause of the defibrination syndrome first, if known and documented.
• Distinguish from other coagulopathies; this code specifically refers to the systemic consumption of clotting factors.
• Ensure documentation specifies "defibrination syndrome" or "disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)" to support code assignment.