ICD-10 Code E41 – Nutritional marasmus (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code E41 – Nutritional marasmus
What it is
Nutritional marasmus is a severe form of protein-calorie malnutrition caused by prolonged inadequate intake of calories and nutrients. It reflects marked wasting and loss of body mass from starvation or extreme undernutrition.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include severe weight loss, muscle wasting, reduced subcutaneous fat, and a frail appearance. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for associated weakness, poor growth, or other signs of chronic malnutrition.
When to use this code
Use E41 when the record clearly documents nutritional marasmus or severe wasting due to inadequate intake, without a more specific malnutrition code. Apply it when the provider identifies starvation-related malnutrition and does not specify marasmus with other qualifiers.
If the note describes another malnutrition type, such as kwashiorkor or unspecified protein-calorie malnutrition, code that documented condition instead. Check documentation when the etiology or severity is unclear.
Do not use for
Do not use E41 for mild or moderate malnutrition, isolated weight loss, or cachexia without documented nutritional marasmus. Do not assign it when a different malnutrition diagnosis is recorded.
Coding tip
Confirm that the provider explicitly links the wasting to nutritional marasmus before coding E41.