Publications by authors named "Drake Shafer"
Transverse myelitis is a rare but documented sequela of heroin use. While the underlying etiology is not clearly elucidated, the prevailing pathophysiologic mechanism amongst existing literature suggests an immune-mediated hypersensitivity reaction due to heroin insufflation following a long period of abstinence. Outcomes vary among the limited reports, but prognosis tends to be poor due to an acute and rapidly progressive disease course.
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- Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a severe inflammatory condition resulting from an abnormal immune response, often triggered by infections, cancers, or other immune challenges.
- A case of a 19-year-old male with HLH caused by Epstein-Barr virus highlights the critical importance of diagnosing HLH, as he exhibited significant symptoms like hiccups and jaundice along with abnormal lab results, including extremely high ferritin levels.
- Immediate treatment with dexamethasone is necessary due to the risk of HLH leading to multi-organ failure, and there is a need for new therapies and clinical trials to effectively manage this potentially deadly disease.