Abrocitinib in the Treatment of Severe Alopecia Areata in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report

This case report discusses the use of abrocitinib, a selective JAK1 inhibitor, in treating a 14-year-old Filipino female with severe alopecia areata. Initially presenting with a SALT score of 98, the patient experienced significant hair regrowth after 4 months of daily 100 mg abrocitinib, reducing the SALT score to 16.4. Despite a temporary relapse due to a respiratory infection, near-complete regrowth was achieved by the 14th month, allowing for a tapering of the dosage. Sustained regrowth was maintained with alternate-day dosing, but extending to every 3 days led to relapse, indicating the necessity for consistent JAK1 inhibition. This case highlights abrocitinib's potential efficacy and safety in pediatric alopecia areata and underscores the need for further research on optimal dosing and long-term safety.