B Symptoms
Notes
**Note 1:** Physician statement of B Symptoms can be used to code this data item when no other information is available. **Note 2:** Each stage should be classified as either A or B according to the absence or presence of defined constitutional symptoms, such as: * Fevers: Unexplained fever with temperature above 38 degrees C; * Night sweats: Drenching sweats that require change of bedclothes; * Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of the usual body weight in the six months prior to diagnosis. **Note 3:** Pruritus alone does not qualify for B classification, nor does alcohol intolerance, fatigue, or a short, febrile illness associated with suspected infections. **Note 4:** Code 9 if there is no mention of B symptoms.| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 0 | No B symptoms (asymptomatic) Classified as "A" by physician when asymptomatic |
| 1 | Any B symptom(s) Night sweats (drenching) Unexplained fever (above 38 degrees C) Unexplained weight loss (generally greater than 10% of body weight in the six months before admission) B symptoms, NOS Classified as "B" by physician when symptomatic |
| 8 | Not applicable: Information not collected for this case (If this item is required by your standard setter, use of code 8 will result in an edit error.) |
| 9 | Not documented in medical record B symptoms not assessed or unknown if assessed |