A Case of Glycyrrhizin (Licorice)-induced Hypokalemic Myopathy.
- Author:
Beom Joon KIM
1
;
Yoon Ho HONG
;
Jung Joon SUNG
;
Kyung Seok PARK
;
Chang Lim HYUN
;
Gheeyoung CHOE
;
Seong Ho PARK
;
Kwang Woo LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Neurology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. pks1126@chol.com
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Licorice;
Glycyrrhizin;
Hypokalemic myopathy;
Vacuolar degeneration
- MeSH:
Aged;
Alkalosis;
Biopsy;
Creatine Kinase;
Diagnosis, Differential;
Glycyrrhiza;
Glycyrrhizic Acid*;
Humans;
Hypokalemia;
Mineralocorticoids;
Muscle Weakness;
Muscular Diseases*;
Paralysis;
Plasma;
Quadriplegia;
Renin
- From:Journal of the Korean Neurological Association
2006;24(4):389-391
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Glycyrrhizin, the main ingredient of licorice, may evoke severe hypokalemia and muscle paralysis by its mineralocorticoid effects. We present a 78-year-old man who developed subacute flaccid quadriparesis with a high creatine kinase (CK) level, hypokalemia, metabolic alkalosis, and low plasma renin activity after ingesting licorice daily for two years. A muscle biopsy revealed vacuolar degeneration of myofibers. This case suggests that glycyrrhizin (licorice)-induced hypokalemic myopathy must be included in the differential diagnosis of a patient with generalized muscle weakness and hypokalemia.
