Icterus melas is a medical term used to describe a condition known as black jaundice. Jaundice is a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes due to an excess of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced from the breakdown of red blood cells. Icterus melas specifically refers to a type of jaundice characterized by dark or black urine, which is indicative of an elevated level of bilirubin in the body.
This condition is often a result of liver dysfunction or obstruction of the bile ducts, preventing the proper processing and elimination of bilirubin. If the liver is unable to metabolize and excrete bilirubin effectively, it builds up in the blood, causing the yellowing discoloration of the skin and other tissues.
Icterus melas can be caused by various factors, including hepatitis, gallstones, liver cirrhosis, or certain medications that impair liver function. Other symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, and appetite loss.
A diagnosis of icterus melas is typically made through a physical examination, blood tests to measure bilirubin levels, and potentially imaging studies such as ultrasound or a liver biopsy to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment for icterus melas involves addressing the underlying cause, such as providing medication for liver support or treating the specific liver disease. In severe cases, doctors may recommend interventions like liver transplantation. Managing icterus melas typically involves a multidisciplinary approach with the involvement of gastroenterologists, hepatologists, and other specialists.
