ICD-11 Codes
for KA00.3 - Fetus or newborn affected by maternal infectious diseases

Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970

Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski

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Understanding Fetus or Newborn Affected by Maternal Infectious Diseases

This condition, identified by the ICD-11 code KA00.3, describes a situation where a fetus or newborn is impacted by an infection originating from the mother. This can occur during pregnancy, labour, or delivery. The causative agent can be bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic. The ICD-11 code for Fetus or newborn affected by maternal infectious diseases is KA00.3.

Recognising Symptoms in Newborns with Maternal Infections

Newborns affected by maternal infectious diseases may present with a range of symptoms, which can vary depending on the specific pathogen. Common signs can include failure to thrive, fever, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), and frequent infections. Other nonspecific symptoms may include fatigue, rash, or mucocutaneous findings. In some cases, untreated infants may develop long-term problems affecting organs such as the brain, eyes, ears, heart, skin, teeth, and bones.

Factors Contributing to Maternal Infections Affecting Newborns

The primary cause is the transmission of infectious agents from the mother to the fetus or newborn. This can happen transplacentally, during passage through the birth canal, or postpartum. Certain maternal conditions can increase the risk, including pre-existing medical conditions like obesity or heart disease, pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, poor immune function, being over 40 years old, or poor health habits like smoking. Some infections, like Group B Streptococcus, are common bacteria that typically cause no issues but can lead to sepsis in the fetus if overproliferated.

Alternative Terms for Maternal Infectious Diseases Impacting Newborns

This condition is also known by several clinical synonyms and patient-friendly terms, including:

• Maternal infection affecting fetus or newborn
• Congenital infection due to maternal disease
• Gonorrhoea complicating pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium, affecting fetus or newborn
• Maternal rubella affecting fetus or newborn
• Syphilis complicating pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium, affecting fetus or newborn
• Tuberculosis complicating pregnancy, childbirth or puerperium, affecting fetus or newborn
• Baby affected by mother's infection during pregnancy

Coding and Documentation for Maternal Infectious Diseases

Accurate documentation is crucial for correct coding. Healthcare providers should specify the infectious agent if known, and detail the effects on the fetus or newborn. Billing and documentation phrases such as 'perinatal infection', 'congenital infection', and 'maternal infectious disease impact on fetus' are relevant. The ICD-11 code KA00.3 is used for Fetus or newborn affected by maternal infectious diseases. Related conditions, such as maternal infections themselves (e.g., JA62.4 Infections of the genital tract in pregnancy), may also need to be coded.

Seeking Medical Advice for Maternal Infections

Pregnant individuals should seek immediate medical advice if they suspect they have contracted an infection, experience any unusual symptoms such as fever, rash, or abnormal discharge, or have known exposure to infectious diseases. Early diagnosis and management are vital for reducing risks to both the mother and the developing baby. Prompt consultation with a healthcare provider is essential if there are concerns about potential transmission of infection to the fetus or newborn.