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

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.