title: Severe hypokalaemic paralysis and rhabdomyolysis due to ingestion of liquorice.
abstract: Chronic ingestion of liquorice induces a syndrome with findings similar to those in primary hyperaldosteronism. We describe a patient who, with a plasma K+ of 1.8 mmol/l, showed a paralysis and severe rhabdomyolysis after the habitual consumption of natural liquorice. Liquorice has become widely available as a flavouring agent in foods and drugs. It is important for physicians to keep liquorice consumption in mind as a cause for hypokalaemic paralysis and rhabdomyolysis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Ikazia Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: van den Bosch
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: van der Klooster
authors.forename: D M H
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Zuidgeest
authors.forename: R J Th
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Ouwendijk
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Dees
mesh_terms: D002182:Candy; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid / Q000633:toxicity*; D006035:Glycyrrhiza / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity*; D006801:Humans; D007008:Hypokalemia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011189:Potassium Chloride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012206:Rhabdomyolysis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D011189:Potassium Chloride; D006034:Glycyrrhetinic Acid