N10: Acute pyelonephritis

N10 refers to Acute pyelonephritis, a group of disorders affecting the renal tubules and interstitial tissue, caused by infections, toxins, obstructions, or systemic diseases, often leading to impaired kidney function.

Symptoms

• Fever and flank pain – Classic signs of acute pyelonephritis (N10)
• Recurrent urinary tract infections – Seen in chronic nephritis (N11)
• Hematuria and proteinuria – Common across tubulo-interstitial nephritis cases (N12, N15)
• Hydronephrosis and urinary retention – Due to obstructive uropathy (N13)
• History of nephrotoxin exposure – Seen in drug- or metal-induced nephritis (N14)

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Acute pyelonephritis includes urinalysis, urine culture, kidney function tests, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan), and sometimes renal biopsy to assess the extent of tubular and interstitial involvement.

ICD10 Code Usage

ICD10 code N10 is used by nephrologists, urologists, internists, and infectious disease specialists to document and manage acute and chronic tubulo-interstitial kidney diseases, guide antimicrobial therapy, surgical interventions, or manage chronic kidney disease progression.

Related Codes

• N11 – Chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis
• N12 – Tubulo-interstitial nephritis, not specified as acute or chronic
• N13 – Obstructive and reflux uropathy
• N14 – Drug- and heavy-metal-induced tubulo-interstitial and tubular conditions
• N15 – Other renal tubulo-interstitial diseases
• N16 – Renal tubulo-interstitial disorders in diseases classified elsewhere

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code N10?
A: It refers to Acute pyelonephritis, covering infections, toxic injuries, obstructive issues, and systemic tubulo-interstitial disorders affecting kidney health.

Q2: How does obstructive uropathy (N13) cause kidney damage?
A: Urine backflow increases pressure in the kidneys, impairing function and potentially leading to hydronephrosis and chronic kidney disease.

Q3: What toxins commonly cause drug-induced nephritis (N14)?
A: NSAIDs, antibiotics like aminoglycosides, contrast dyes, lithium, and heavy metals like lead and mercury.

Q4: What differentiates acute (N10) from chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis (N11)?
A: Acute cases present suddenly with infection signs, while chronic cases develop gradually with scarring and progressive renal impairment.

Q5: How are tubulo-interstitial disorders treated?
A: Treatment depends on cause — antibiotics for infections, withdrawal of nephrotoxic drugs, relieving obstructions, corticosteroids in autoimmune cases, and supportive care for kidney function.

Conclusion

ICD10 code N10 facilitates early identification and precise management of Acute pyelonephritis, helping prevent irreversible kidney damage and improving outcomes through targeted therapies and intervention strategies.