[Hypokalemic paralysis after prolonged absorption of a non-alcoholic pastis in a diabetic]

A typical case of glycyrrhizin-induced hypokalemic paralysis in a diabetic patient is presented. Hypokalemia was responsible for a generalized muscle weakness with a rise in serum muscular enzymes and cardiovascular disorders, which improved under potassium supplementation and spironolactone therapy. The pseudoaldosteronism syndrome with low plasma renin activity and aldosteron suggested aldosteron -like liquorice intoxication. Patient's interrogation revealed regular consumption of a common aperitive drink: a non-alcoholic pastis containing small amounts of glycyrrhizin. The discrepancy between the severity of clinical manifestations and the ingested amounts of glycyrrhizin is explained by the diabetic state.