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Baba-Aissa S, Cooke L, Alner V, Ahmed MH. Hypokalaemia associated with excessive cola-flavoured drinks consumption. BMJ Case Rep 2024; 17:e258873. [PMID: 38649244 PMCID: PMC11043727 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2023-258873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We present a case involving a male patient in his 30s who was admitted to hospital due to recurrent episodes of hypokalaemia over the past 5 years. His medical history revealed hypertension, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and paranoia. He was taking citalopram, ramipril, amlodipine, and pramipexole. Tests indicated normal levels of aldosterone/renin ratio and plasma metanephrines. On reviewing his dietary history, it was noted that he consumed 3 to 3.5 L of cola-flavoured drinks on a daily basis. Normal potassium levels were achieved after a significant reduction in cola-flavoured drinks intake and potassium replacement. Subsequent outpatient clinic follow-up revealed that normal potassium levels were maintained even after the patient ceased taking potassium replacement tablets. Given the rarity of hypokalaemia associated with fizzy drinks, the underlying mechanism for this association remains unclear. In this case report, we attempt to provide a possible explanation for the involved mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Baba-Aissa
- The Medical School, University of Buckingham, Buckingham, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - Lynn Cooke
- Department of Medicine, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - Victoria Alner
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
| | - Mohamed H Ahmed
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
- Department of Medicine and HIV Metabolic Clinic, Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Eaglestone, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK
- Honorary Senior Lecturer of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Buckingham, Buckingham, UK
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Ceccuzzi G, Rapino A, Perna B, Costanzini A, Farinelli A, Fiorica I, Marziani B, Cianci A, Rossin F, Cesaro AE, Spampinato MD, De Giorgio R, Guarino M. Liquorice Toxicity: A Comprehensive Narrative Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3866. [PMID: 37764649 PMCID: PMC10537237 DOI: 10.3390/nu15183866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renowned since ancient times for its medical properties, liquorice is nowadays mainly used for flavoring candies or soft drinks. Continuous intake of large amounts of liquorice is a widely known cause of pseudo-hyperaldosteronism leading to hypertension and hypokalemia. These manifestations are usually mild, although in some cases may generate life-threatening complications, i.e., arrhythmias, muscle paralysis, rhabdomyolysis, and coma. In addition, liquorice has an important estrogenic-like activity. METHODS We summarized the current knowledge about liquorice and reviewed 104 case reports in both the English and Italian languages from inception to June 2023 concerning complications due to an excess of liquorice intake. RESULTS In contrast to most published data, female sex and old age do not appear to be risk factors. However, hypertension and electrolyte imbalance (mainly hypokalemia) are prevalent features. The detection of glycyrrhetinic acid in blood is very uncommon, and the diagnosis is essentially based on an accurate history taking. CONCLUSIONS Although there is not a significant mortality rate, liquorice toxicity often requires hospitalization and therefore represents a significant health concern. Major pharmaceutical drug regulatory authorities should solicit public awareness about the potentially dangerous effects caused by excessive use of liquorice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Ceccuzzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Alessandro Rapino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Benedetta Perna
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Anna Costanzini
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Andrea Farinelli
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Ilaria Fiorica
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Beatrice Marziani
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Antonella Cianci
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Federica Rossin
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Alice Eleonora Cesaro
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Michele Domenico Spampinato
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
- Department of Emergency, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto De Giorgio
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
| | - Matteo Guarino
- Department of Translational Medicine, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (G.C.); (A.R.); (B.P.); (A.C.); (A.F.); (I.F.); (B.M.); (A.C.); (F.R.); (A.E.C.); (M.D.S.); (M.G.)
- Department of Emergency, St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44124 Ferrara, Italy
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Moghaddam ET, Tafazoli A. Cola Beverages: Clinical Uses versus Adverse Effects. CURRENT NUTRITION & FOOD SCIENCE 2019. [DOI: 10.2174/1573401313666170821130225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Background: Excessive consumption of cola beverages is accompanied by numerous public health risks. But besides these well-known adverse effects, recently, several medical articles have been published that show some indications for cola beverages in clinical practice like resolution of gastrointestinal or feeding tube obstructions, increasing bioavailability and palatability of other medications, rehydration and other uses in healthcare settings. These approaches are not without shortcomings and complications.Methods:In this systematic review we tried to explore these new uses for practitioners and also reemphasize on the most evidence-based complications of cola consumption like bone loss and metabolic and cardiovascular adverse effects in cases of misuse and overuse from both clinical and nutritional points of view via searching the PubMed database.Results:We chose 145 journal articles from the most relevant ones plus 30 extra references and categorized their topics in two classes of medical uses and adverse effects.Conclusion:It could be stated that cola beverages have demonstrated interesting uses and benefits in medicine but their use should be regulated as strict as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan T. Moghaddam
- Orthodontics Department, School of Dentistry, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Ali Tafazoli
- School of Pharmacy, International Campus, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Alaygut D, Torun Bayram M, Kasap B, Soylu A, Türkmen M, Kavukcu S. Rhabdomyolysis with different etiologies in childhood. World J Clin Pediatr 2017; 6:161-168. [PMID: 29184760 PMCID: PMC5691034 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v6.i4.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate different etiologies and management of the rhabdomyolysis in children.
METHODS Eight pediatric rhabdomyolysis cases who applied to the Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine Department of Pediatric Nephrology with different etiologies between January 2004 and January 2012 were evaluated in terms of age, gender, admission symptoms, physical examination findings, factors provoking rhabdomyolysis, number of rhabdomyolysis attacks, laboratory results, family history and the final diagnosis received after the treatment.
RESULTS Average diagnosis ages of eight cases were 129 (24-192) ± 75.5 mo and five of them were girls. All of them had applied with the complaint of muscle pain, calf pain, and dark color urination. Infection (pneumonia) and excessive physical activity were the most important provocative factors and excessive licorice consumption was observed in one case. In 5 cases, acute kidney injury was determined and two cases needed hemodialysis. As a result of the further examinations; the cases had received diagnoses of rhabdomyolysis associated with mycoplasma pneumoniae, sepsis associated rhabdomyolysis, licorice-induced hypokalemic rhabdomyolysis, carnitine palmitoyltransferase II deficiency, very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency, congenital muscular dystrophy and idiopathic paroxysmal rhabdomyolysis (Meyer-Betz syndrome).
CONCLUSION It is important to distinguish the sporadic and recurrent rhabdomyolysis cases from each other. Recurrent rhabdomyolysis cases should follow up more regardful and attentive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demet Alaygut
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, 35340 İnciralti İzmir, Turkey
| | - Meral Torun Bayram
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, 35340 İnciralti İzmir, Turkey
| | - Belde Kasap
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, 35340 İnciralti İzmir, Turkey
| | - Alper Soylu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, 35340 İnciralti İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Türkmen
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, 35340 İnciralti İzmir, Turkey
| | - Salih Kavukcu
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, 35340 İnciralti İzmir, Turkey
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aim to describe an unusual and underappreciated cause for hypokalemia. METHODS We describe a patient diagnosed with cola-induced hypokalemia and review the literature. RESULTS Ingestion of massive amounts of cola can lead to severe hypokalemia through several pathophysiologic mechanisms. These perturbations include osmotic diarrhea, osmotic diuresis, and hyperinsulinemia secondary to hyperglycemia with resultant intracellular to cellular shifts in potassium. These effects are magnified by concomitant high levels of caffeine. CONCLUSION Ingestion of large quantities of cola should be added to differential diagnosis for severe hypokalemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Sharma
- Department of Endocrinology, SUNY-Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11209, USA
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Omar HR, Komarova I, El-Ghonemi M, Fathy A, Rashad R, Abdelmalak HD, Yerramadha MR, Ali Y, Helal E, Camporesi EM. Licorice abuse: time to send a warning message. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2012; 3. [PMID: 23185686 PMCID: PMC3498851 DOI: 10.1177/2042018812454322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Licorice extract has always been recognized as a sweetener and a thirst quencher. Its nutritive value is overrated by many who consume significant amounts and are prone to complications. Glycyrrhetic acid, the active metabolite in licorice, inhibits the enzyme 11-ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme type 2 with a resultant cortisol-induced mineralocorticoid effect and the tendency towards the elevation of sodium and reduction of potassium levels. This aldosterone-like action is the fundamental basis for understanding its health benefits and the wide spectrum of adverse effects. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of licorice along with the reported complications related to excess intake. Despite its apparent use in a few clinical scenarios, the daily consumption of licorice is never justified because its benefits are minor compared to the adverse outcomes of chronic consumption. The review highlights the importance of investigating the dietary habits and herbal remedies which are being used worldwide on cultural and habitual bases rather than reliable scientific evidence. Licorice is a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved food supplement used in many products without precise regulations to prevent toxicity. Increased awareness among the public is required through TV commercials, newspapers, internet sites, magazines and product labels regarding the upper limit of ingestion and health hazards associated with excess intake. We hope that this review will serve as a warning message that should be transmitted from physicians to patients to avoid excessive licorice intake as well as a message to the FDA to start regulating the use of this substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hesham R Omar
- Internal Medicine Department, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, 2525 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
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Vearrier D, Curtis JA. Case files of the medical toxicology fellowship at Drexel University. Rhabdomyolysis and compartment syndrome following acute diphenhydramine overdose. J Med Toxicol 2011; 7:213-9. [PMID: 21656083 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-011-0157-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David Vearrier
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Department of Emergency Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA.
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