Licorice-induced apparent mineralocorticoid excess compounded by excessive use of terbutaline and high water intake

This case highlights the clinical course of a 54-year-old male patient presenting with hypertension and long-term refractory hypokalaemia. He reported long-term malaise, fatigue and physical discomfort. Diarrhoea, vomiting, over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements and any kind of medical abuse were all denied. Physical examination was normal. Suppressed plasma renin activity along with a low aldosterone level and elevated urinary cortisone/cortisol metabolite excretion ratio raised the suspicion of apparent mineralocorticoid excess (AME). The patient started treatment with spironolactone, but serum potassium levels were persistently fluctuating and the patient was hospitalised for further evaluation. During hospitalisation, repeated medical history and diagnostic examinations revealed licorice-induced AME complicated by excessive use of terbutaline and massive water intake. Licorice discontinuation, reduction of terbutaline and normalisation of water intake led to fully normalised potassium levels. Despite careful clinical history and diagnostic work-up, hospitalisation may be necessary in selected patients with long-term hypokalaemia.

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