Liquorice-induced apparent mineralocorticoid excess presenting in the emergency department

Clin Med (Lond). 2017 Feb;17(1):43-45. doi: 10.7861/clinmedicine.17-1-43.

Abstract

A 65-year-old woman with a background of myalgic encephalitis, who was taking alternative medicines and dietary supplements, presented with hypokalaemia and hypertension. After a thorough history it became apparent that this was most likely secondary to regular consumption of liquorice tea. The patient was advised to discontinue drinking this tea and was discharged. Follow-up showed normalising blood pressure and hypokalaemia, with a normal aldosterone:renin ratio.

Keywords: 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase; apparent mineralocorticoid excess; complementary and alternative medicine; glycyrrhizic acid; liquorice.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Glycyrrhiza*
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Hypokalemia / etiology
  • Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome, Apparent* / blood
  • Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome, Apparent* / diagnosis
  • Mineralocorticoid Excess Syndrome, Apparent* / physiopathology
  • Potassium / blood

Substances

  • Glycyrrhizic Acid
  • Potassium