Harmful effect of saline infusion in a patient with glycyrrhizic acid poisoning

CJEM. 2010 May;12(3):224-5. doi: 10.1017/s148180350001229x.

Abstract

Alcohol-free licorice beverages contain glycyrrhizic acid. Excess glycyrrhizic acid is a well-known cause of excess mineralocorticoid syndrome. We report a case of glycyrrhizic acid poisoning in an abstinent alcoholic complicated by severe pulmonary edema following excessive hydration with intravenous normal saline.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alcoholism
  • Beverages / adverse effects*
  • Canada
  • Fluid Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Glycyrrhiza / adverse effects*
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid / poisoning*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Poisoning / therapy
  • Pulmonary Edema / etiology*
  • Sodium Chloride / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride
  • Glycyrrhizic Acid