Table 1 Comparison of our case with previously reported cases of pulmonary oedema as a consequence of excess liquorice ingestion
From: A life-threatening case of pseudo-aldosteronism secondary to excessive liquorice ingestion
Our case: | Caubet-Kamar, Natacha, et al. 2010: | Chamberlain, James J 1997: | |
|---|---|---|---|
Demographics | 79 year-old female | 66 year-old male | 64 year-old male |
Pre-morbid status | COPD HTN Constipation Ex-smoker | Chronic alcohol excess Smoker | “Previously healthy” |
Liquorice ingestion | 1.7gm/day × 2 months | 1.6gm/day × 2 months | 3.6gm over 3 days |
Lowest serum potassium | 2.2 mmol/l | 1.8 mmol/l | 3.5 mmol/l |
Peak blood pressure | 239/114 mmHg | 200/100 mmHg | 180/80 mmHg |
Treatment given | i.v KCl PO KCl PO Lercanidipine PO Furosemide/amiroride PO Spironolactone i.v. Furosemide i.v. ISDN | i.v. KCl PO Spironolactone i.v. Furosemide i.v. ISDN | i.v Furosemide PO Enalapril PO KCl |
Outcome | Treatment stopped 10-days after discharge Remained normotensive and normal serum potassium at 8 weeks | Continued furosemide and spironolactone on discharge Normotensive and normal serum potassium at 1 month. Changed to PO Amlodipine 5 mg alone | Treatment stopped before discharge Normal serum potassium and normotensive at 2 months |