Severe, very early onset pre-eclampsia associated with liquorice consumption

Abstract

Background: We present the case of very early onset pre-eclampsia, possibly aggravated by liquorice consumption. Case: An 18-year-old healthy primigravida presented with high blood pressure and proteinuria at 18 weeks gestation. She had a strong family history of pre-eclampsia and was consuming considerable amounts of liquorice. A diagnosis of severe pre-eclampsia/hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count was confirmed. The pregnancy was terminated. Extensive investigation ruled out underlying diseases and autopsy revealed a normal fetus. In three consequtive pregnancies, she developed milder forms of pre-eclampsia. Conclusion: In healthy women with a familial/genetic susceptibility for pre-eclampsia, liquorice consumption may aggravate the course of the disease.

• Hypertension
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• Liqourice
• Pre-eclampsia
• Pregnancy

Acknowledgements

Dr Johann H. Johannsson is thanked for reviewing pathology slides from the placenta and placental bed biopsies.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.