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Megacolon at high altitude.

F Patiño, R Ponce, J Lora

Acta Gastroenterologica Latinoamericana

|January 1, 1983

Summary

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Megacolon is common in high altitudes. This study in La Paz found increased bowel motility and low fecal pH in 60 patients, suggesting an acquired condition.

Area of Science:

Gastroenterology
Altitude Medicine
Clinical Observations

Background:

Megacolon is frequently observed in high-altitude regions.
Previous research on high-altitude megacolon is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the characteristics of megacolon in a high-altitude population.
To explore potential contributing factors to megacolon in La Paz, Bolivia.

Main Methods:

Observational study of 60 megacolon cases in La Paz (3,600m).
Assessment of bowel motility and fecal pH.
Histological examination of the nervous plexus and smooth muscle.

Main Results:

Increased motility in both large and small bowels was observed.

Related Experiment Videos

Feces exhibited a consistently low pH.

No histological abnormalities were found in the enteric nervous system or smooth muscle.

Conclusions:

High-altitude megacolon in this cohort appears to be an acquired condition.
The findings suggest environmental factors at high altitude may influence bowel function leading to megacolon.