A Case of Licorice Induced Hypokalemic Paralysis with Rhabdomyolysis.
10.3803/jkes.2005.20.2.179
- Author:
Hyun Il HONG
1
;
Koon Hee HAN
;
Jung Won HWANG
;
Young Don KIM
;
Myung Sook SHIM
;
Jin Yub KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University College of Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, Gangneung, Korea.
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Licorice;
Glycyrrhizic acid;
Hypokalemic paralysis;
Rhabdomyolysis
- MeSH:
Aldosterone;
Alkalosis;
Blood Pressure;
Chymosin;
Eating;
Glycyrrhiza*;
Glycyrrhizic Acid;
Humans;
Hydrocortisone;
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration;
Hypertension;
Hypokalemia;
Myoglobin;
Paralysis*;
Plasma;
Potassium;
Rhabdomyolysis*;
Sodium;
Water
- From:Journal of Korean Society of Endocrinology
2005;20(2):179-182
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Prolonged ingestion of licorice can cause hypermineralocorticoidism, with sodium retention, potassium loss and hypertension. Nevertheless, its initial presentation with a very severe degree of hypokalemic paralysis and rhabdomyolysis are exceedingly rare. We describe a patient who experienced hypokalemic paralysis and rhabdomyolysis after licorice ingestion. The patient's initial blood pressure was 160/80mmHg. The major biochemical abnormalities included; hypokalemia(K+ 1.3mEq/L), metabolic alkalosis, with a pH of 7.64, and urine myoglobin > 3000ng/mL. The plasma rennin activity and aldosterone level were suppressed. The 24 hour urine cortisol concentration was normal. The patients, over a 1 month period, had ingested 500g of licorice boiled in water. After quitting the licorice, the hypokalemia and muscle paralysis gradually improved and blood pressure returned to normal
