P38: ICD10 Code for Omphalitis of newborn

P38 refers to Omphalitis of newborn, addressing infectious conditions acquired in utero, during delivery, or shortly after birth that critically impact neonatal health and often require urgent medical intervention.

Symptoms

• Fever, irritability, or lethargy – Early signs of neonatal infections (P36, P39)
• Umbilical redness or pus – Symptoms of omphalitis (P38)
• Rash, microcephaly, or jaundice – Findings in congenital viral infections (P35)
• Organ enlargement or anemia – Seen with congenital parasitic infections (P37)
• Respiratory distress – Can accompany severe sepsis or congenital infections

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Omphalitis of newborn involves blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, PCR tests for viral pathogens, TORCH screening, umbilical swab cultures for omphalitis, and imaging studies when congenital anomalies are suspected.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code P38 is essential for NICUs, infectious disease specialists, and neonatologists to document perinatal infections, guiding treatment protocols including antibiotics, antivirals, or supportive NICU care interventions.

Related Codes

• P35 – Congenital viral diseases
• P36 – Bacterial sepsis of newborn
• P37 – Other congenital infectious and parasitic diseases
• P39 – Other infections specific to the perinatal period

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code P38?
A: It refers to Omphalitis of newborn, encompassing viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections impacting newborns around the time of birth.

Q2: How serious is bacterial sepsis in newborns (P36)?
A: It can be life-threatening if not diagnosed and treated promptly with antibiotics and supportive care.

Q3: What viruses cause congenital infections (P35)?
A: Common viruses include cytomegalovirus (CMV), rubella, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and Zika virus.

Q4: How is omphalitis (P38) managed?
A: Management involves intravenous antibiotics and sometimes surgical intervention if the infection spreads rapidly.

Q5: Are congenital infections preventable?
A: Some, like rubella, are preventable through maternal vaccination and appropriate prenatal care strategies.

Conclusion

ICD10 code P38 ensures that healthcare teams accurately document Omphalitis of newborn, supporting early detection, treatment, and improved outcomes for newborns facing infections during the critical perinatal period.