Alopecia Areata Flare Patterns in Children and Young Adults on Systemic Tofacitinib

    March 2021 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”
    Paige L. McKenzie, Leslie Castelo‐Soccio
    Image of study
    TLDR Tofacitinib can regrow hair in alopecia areata patients, but some may experience flares during treatment.
    The study examined the flare patterns of 21 pediatric and young adult patients with moderate-to-severe alopecia areata (AA) while on systemic tofacitinib, a systemic Janus kinase inhibitor used off-label for AA treatment. The patients were on tofacitinib for an average of 31 months. Eight patients (38.1%) experienced an AA flare while on daily tofacitinib therapy, with the mean time to flare being 13.6 months. No patient had more than one flare while on therapy. During acute flares, some patients continued with the initial tofacitinib dose, while others had their dosage increased. Most patients tolerated tofacitinib well, but some reported side effects like mild infections and gastrointestinal upset. The study concluded that while tofacitinib can lead to rapid hair regrowth, flares are possible during treatment. Patients should be informed about potential decreased treatment response and be prepared to discuss dosage escalation and/or adjuvant therapy during flares to minimize hair loss.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    3 / 3 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community What else is good. Besides the big 3.

      in Chat  34 upvotes 2 months ago
      Key treatments for hair preservation include minoxidil, finasteride/dutasteride, and microneedling, with additional options like specific shampoos, oils, biotin, zinc, tretinoin, clascoterone, and low-level laser therapy. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, reducing stress, and addressing nutrient deficiencies can also support hair health.

      community 22F. Should I even bother getting a biopsy? Is there any point?

       7 upvotes 8 years ago
      A woman who has been experiencing hair loss for several years, and her question of whether there is any benefit to getting a biopsy to check if it's AGA or diffuse alopecia areata when no cure or very effective treatment exists. Treatments such as spironolactone and Minoxidil/finasteride/RU58841 have previously been discussed.

      community Alopecia Areata Question

      in Treatment  2 upvotes 3 years ago
      A user with alopecia totalis, borderline universalis, seeks advice on getting into a Xeljanz trial or appealing insurance for coverage. They experienced significant hair regrowth but are now seeing hair loss again and want to try Xeljanz.

      community mbp alopecia areata or vitamin deficiency

      in Chat 5 months ago
      A 19-year-old male has been using topical finasteride and minoxidil for 8 months with no progress and is considering seeking a second opinion due to potential misdiagnosis. The discussion revolves around whether the hair loss is due to male pattern baldness, alopecia areata, or a vitamin deficiency.

    Related Research

    10 / 10 results