Perils of Injudicious Use of Alternate Forms of Medicine

Toxic Encephalopathy in A neonate

A term “neonate,” appropriate for dates, delivered vaginally was apparently well and breastfed till 3 weeks of age. He was referred to our unit after 2-day history of decreased feeding and lethargy followed by seizures. There was no specific history of fever or respiratory signs. Standard investigations for neonatal encephalopathy including testing for hypocalcemia, hypomagnesemia, meningoencephalitis, and inborn errors of metabolism, were negative. The baby was initially administered antibiotics, acyclovir, and phenobarbitone. Electroencephalogram was noted to be abnormal, with frequent activation of sharp waves in left occipital, central, and temporal leads. Magnetic resonance imaging brain showed evidence of dependent bleeds in occipital horns. Platelet count, prothrombin, and activated partial thromboplastin time were normal. A single value of borderline hypokalemia (3.3 meq/L) was noted on the capillary blood gas analysis. Detailed communication and revisiting history revealed the administration of a Siddha preparation (prescribed for general well-being and as a gut cleanser) containing Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice). The drug was prescribed by a physician and was given as ½ teaspoon powder in 1 tablespoon of water for nearly 7–10 days before the onset of illness. Fortunately, this revelation and the negative tests for other illnesses allowed us to stop antimicrobials. Intensive care and supportive management sufficed, and he was discharged after 5 days. In the first follow-up visit, he showed good health, normal neurobehavior, and tone.

Licorice is a plant product used in cosmetics, confectionaries, and pharmaceutics. It has traditionally been considered to have benefits for chronic illnesses.[¹] Indian traditional medicine forms use the product as a gut cleanser, skin protectant, expectorant, and eye-drop constituent.[²] It has been reported to cause multiorgan dysfunction (MODS), pseudohyperaldosteronism, hypokalemia, hypertension, and edema. Hemorrhagic strokes have also been reported.[³] These are probably related to intermittent and reversible hypertension and an anticoagulant effect secondary to the inhibition of Factor Xa. Literature on toxicity is mostly related to the adult population, and comorbidities such as hypertension, malnutrition, and old age are known to augment complications of licorice.[⁴] Due to logistic constraints, we could not estimate steroid hormones or measure plasma renin activity. These might have aided in substantiating the etiology. Accurately diagnosing licorice toxicity requires high-performance liquid chromatography for specific metabolites. These tests are usually done in research settings.[⁵] We recently reported an infant with MODS and dicarboxylic aciduria due to an oily herbal preparation.[⁶]

It would be prudent to build a close rapport with families of neonates with unexplained encephalopathy and elicit a history of administration of known, problematic, and alternate forms of medicine. This could help optimize investigations and allow for supportive management. On a larger front, this is a crucial public health issue that needs to be addressed by increasing awareness through the proper use of media and social networks. Appropriate postnatal education of mothers and families before discharge from birth hospitalization could include caution against the use of drugs that are not approved for children.[⁷]