[Pseudohyperaldosteronism induced by alcohol-free aniseed aperitif in alcoholic cirrhotic patients]

The authors report 2 cases of pseudohyperaldosteronism secondary to consumption of alcohol-free "pastis" in abstinent alcoholic cirrhotics. In both cases patients presented with ascites, edema, increased blood pressure and hypokalemic alkalosis. Except for hypokalemia, the disorders improved rapidly after withdrawal of the beverage. Glycyrrhizic acid, present in little amounts in the beverage, is presumably responsible for this syndrome. Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis would be particularly at risk. It is suggested that alcohol-free "pastis" could be responsible for ascites and edema in cirrhotic patients. This drinking habit should be looked for in abstinent cirrhotic patients with ascites, particularly in case of associated systemic hypertension.