2025 ICD-10-CM code E71.510
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Metabolic disorders - Peroxisome biogenesis disorders 4 Feed
Zellweger syndrome, the most severe form of Zellweger spectrum disorder, is a rare genetic disorder affecting peroxisome function. This leads to the body's inability to metabolize certain fatty acids.
The medical necessity for services related to Zellweger syndrome stems from the complex and multi-system nature of the disorder.Medical necessity should be documented based on the individual patient's needs, including the need for diagnostic testing, specialist consultations, management of symptoms, and supportive care to address the various complications associated with the condition.
Clinicians are responsible for diagnosing and managing Zellweger syndrome. This includes evaluating the patient's medical history, conducting physical examinations, ordering and interpreting laboratory tests (including blood, urine, and genetic tests), and providing appropriate referrals to specialists such as geneticists, neurologists, and hepatologists.They also coordinate supportive care and provide ongoing monitoring of the patient's condition.
In simple words: Zellweger syndrome is a serious genetic condition where a baby's body can't break down certain fats correctly. This happens because of a problem with tiny parts of the cells called peroxisomes. Babies with this condition often have many health problems, including weak muscles, trouble eating, seizures, and problems with their liver, heart, and kidneys.They might also have unusual facial features and developmental delays. Doctors can diagnose Zellweger syndrome with special tests.Unfortunately, there's no cure, so treatment focuses on making the baby as comfortable as possible and helping with their symptoms.
Zellweger syndrome is the most severe manifestation of a group of disorders known as Zellweger spectrum, a peroxisome biogenesis disorder.It's an inborn error of metabolism caused by the body’s inability to break down long-chain fatty acids due to dysfunction in peroxisomes. Peroxisomes are small cellular structures containing enzymes necessary for this metabolic process. Symptoms typically appear in early infancy or childhood and can include muscle weakness, feeding difficulties, seizures, failure to thrive, vision and hearing loss, skeletal abnormalities (like unusual head size), encephalopathy, and distinct facial features such as a flattened face, broad nasal bridge, and large forehead.The disorder can also severely affect other organs like the liver, heart, and kidneys, potentially leading to death. Diagnosis is based on family history, symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests, including blood and urine analysis for fatty acids, genetic testing, and newborn screening. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care.
Example 1: A newborn exhibits low muscle tone, unusual facial features (flattened face, broad nasal bridge), and seizures.Laboratory tests reveal elevated levels of very long-chain fatty acids. Genetic testing confirms a diagnosis of Zellweger syndrome., An infant experiences feeding difficulties, failure to thrive, and liver dysfunction. Imaging studies show brain abnormalities. Biochemical tests indicate a peroxisomal disorder, and Zellweger syndrome is diagnosed., A child presents with developmental delays, vision and hearing impairment, and skeletal abnormalities.After a thorough evaluation, including genetic testing, Zellweger syndrome is identified as the underlying cause.
Documentation for Zellweger syndrome should include details of the patient's clinical presentation, including specific symptoms (e.g., hypotonia, seizures, feeding difficulties), physical findings (e.g., facial dysmorphism, hepatomegaly), and results of laboratory and genetic tests confirming the diagnosis.Relevant imaging studies and specialist consultations should also be documented.
- Specialties:Genetics, Neurology, Metabolic Diseases, Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office