D64.8 – Other Specified Anemias
D64.8 is an ICD-10 diagnosis code for other specified anemias not classified elsewhere, including sideroblastic anemia and leukoerythroblastic anemia.
Things worth knowing about "D64.8"
D64.8 is an ICD-10 diagnosis code for other specified anemias not classified elsewhere, including sideroblastic anemia and leukoerythroblastic anemia.
What Does the Diagnosis Code D64.8 Mean?
The ICD-10 code D64.8 refers to other specified anemias – forms of anemia that are clinically well-defined and described but do not fit into any of the other specific anemia categories within the ICD-10 classification system. Anemia occurs when the number of red blood cells (erythrocytes) or the concentration of the red blood protein hemoglobin falls below the normal reference range, reducing the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to the body's tissues.
Which Types of Anemia Fall Under D64.8?
This code encompasses a range of rare or specifically characterized anemia subtypes, including:
- Sideroblastic anemia: A disorder of red blood cell production in which precursor cells (sideroblasts) are unable to properly incorporate iron into hemoglobin. Iron accumulates abnormally within the cells, forming ring sideroblasts visible under the microscope.
- Leukoerythroblastic anemia: A form of anemia characterized by the presence of immature blood cell precursors (both white and red cell precursors) in the peripheral blood, often indicating underlying bone marrow disease.
- Secondary sideroblastic anemia: Develops as a consequence of another underlying condition or as a result of exposure to certain medications or toxic substances (e.g., isoniazid, alcohol, lead).
- Other rare, clinically well-defined anemia forms that do not correspond to any other specific ICD-10 code.
Causes
The causes of anemias coded under D64.8 vary depending on the specific subtype:
- Genetic factors: Inherited disorders of heme metabolism or erythropoiesis (red blood cell production)
- Drug-related causes: Certain antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, or other substances that impair blood cell production
- Toxic exposure: Chronic alcohol use or heavy metal poisoning (e.g., lead)
- Secondary disease processes: Bone marrow disorders, myeloproliferative conditions, or infiltration of the bone marrow by malignant cells
- Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiency of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), which is essential for heme synthesis
Symptoms
The clinical presentation of anemias under D64.8 often mirrors general anemia symptoms but may vary depending on the subtype:
- Fatigue, weakness, and general malaise
- Pale skin and mucous membranes
- Shortness of breath (dyspnea) on exertion
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) or palpitations
- Dizziness and headaches
- Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) in certain subtypes
- Signs of iron accumulation in organs (e.g., liver, pancreas) in sideroblastic anemia
Diagnosis
Diagnosing an anemia classified under D64.8 requires thorough clinical and laboratory evaluation:
- Complete blood count (CBC) with differential: Assessment of hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cell count, and red cell indices (MCV, MCH, MCHC)
- Reticulocyte count: Evaluation of bone marrow erythropoietic activity
- Iron studies: Serum ferritin, serum iron, and transferrin saturation
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy: The gold standard for diagnosing sideroblastic and leukoerythroblastic anemias; identification of ring sideroblasts
- Genetic testing: In cases of suspected hereditary forms
- Vitamin B6 levels: When pyridoxine-responsive sideroblastic anemia is suspected
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to the specific subtype and the underlying cause of the anemia:
- Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): High-dose supplementation in pyridoxine-responsive sideroblastic anemia can improve hemoglobin synthesis
- Treatment of the underlying condition: In secondary forms, addressing the root cause takes priority
- Discontinuation of causative drugs or substances: In drug-induced or toxin-induced anemia
- Blood transfusions: For symptomatic relief in severe anemia
- Iron chelation therapy: To prevent organ damage caused by iron overload in sideroblastic anemia
- Stem cell transplantation: In selected cases of severe, treatment-refractory disease
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision (ICD-10), Volume 1 – Code D64.8: Other specified anemias
- Swerdlow SH et al. (eds.): WHO Classification of Tumours of Haematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues. 4th edition, IARC Press, Lyon, 2017
- Kasper DL et al. (eds.): Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 21st edition, McGraw-Hill Education, 2022 – Chapter: Anemias
Most purchased products
For your iron balance
Specially formulated for your iron balance with plant-based curry leaf iron, Lactoferrin CLN®, and natural Vitamin C from rose hips.
For your universal protection
As one of the most valuable proteins in the body, lactoferrin is a natural component of the immune system.
For Healthy Oral Flora & Dental Care
Formulated lozenges with Dentalac®, lactic acid bacteria, and Lactoferrin CLN®The latest entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryImmune cell nutrition
Polysubstance abuse
Regurgitation
Most read entries
3 Posts in this encyclopedia categoryMagnesiumcarbonat
Calorie content
Cologne list
Related search terms: D64.8