Melanosis of the rectum in patients with chronic constipation

Abstract

In patients with constipation the prevalence of melanosis in rectal biopsies was evaluated in an attempt to correlate its occurrence with laxative consumption and intestinal stasis. Melanosis was present in 58 percent of the patients and in none of a control group. Melanosis was present in 73.4 percent of patients consuming anthracene laxatives and in 26.6 percent of those not consuming anthracene laxatives (P less than 0.01). No correlation was found between the occurrence (and grading) of melanosis and pattern of transit through the large bowel, bowel movements, and duration of symptoms. Results of this study seem to indicate that intestinal stasis is not a cause of melanosis of the colon and rectum and confirm that melanosis may well be due only to the consumption of anthracene laxatives; melanosis coli does not appear to be a sensitive marker of impairment of motor function in the "cathartic colon."

The Gulf Oil Spill

“…HEALTH EFFECTS prolonged periods were found to have an increased incidence (73.4%) of melanosis of the colon and rectum as compared to those who did not consume anthracene-containing laxatives (26.6%) (Badiali et al 1985). The authors suggested that the melanosis observed may be attributed to the consumption of anthracene laxatives and not to intestinal stasis.…”

Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Chronic Functional Constipation in Korea, 2015 Revised Edition

“…It has been reported that stimulant laxatives are associated with significant adverse events, including malabsorption, electrolyte disturbance, dose-dependent cramping, diarrhea, abuse, and development of melanosis coli. 33,[142][143][144] Cathartic colon is seen in some chronic users of stimulant laxatives, but it is unclear whether this is related to their prolonged use. 145,146 Thus, stimulant laxatives may be used when patients fail to respond adequately to bulk or osmotic laxatives.…”

Evidence of Oxidative Injury in Pigs With Melanosis Coli

“…Previous studies have demonstrated a strong association between melanosis coli and chronic laxative use, 3,15 specifically the anthraquinone laxatives in humans, 11 and this condition can be reproduced experimentally in guinea pigs with laxative administration.…”