Alopecia Areata Following the Use of Belimumab in a Patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Arthritis Who Responded Well to Baricitinib: A Case Report

October 2024 in “ American Journal of Case Reports ”

Hani Almoallim, Maryam Dahlawi, Mutasem Abed, Rasha Alamr

alopecia areata alopecia totalis alopecia universalis belimumab baricitinib systemic lupus erythematosus steroid treatments

TLDR Baricitinib improved hair loss and arthritis in a lupus patient.

This case report discusses a 54-year-old Saudi female with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who developed alopecia areata (AA) progressing to alopecia totalis (AT) and alopecia universalis (AU) after treatment with belimumab. Despite initial improvements with belimumab, her hair loss worsened, and steroid treatments were only partially effective. After discontinuing belimumab and switching to baricitinib, significant improvement in both AT and arthritis was observed. The report suggests that baricitinib's effectiveness in SLE warrants further investigation, highlighting the need for research focused on specific outcomes rather than composite measures.

View this study on amjcaserep.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 1000+ results

community A meta analysis of 18 popular hair loss treatments. An 2022 guide on efficacy. From finasteride and minoxidil to caffeine shampoo, saw palmetto and biotin. 96 Scientific References included.

in Research/Science 101 upvotes 2 years ago

Most hair loss treatments are ineffective; only finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil show effectiveness.

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 25F and have been losing my hair for 10 years. Been to doctors, no issues with thyroid or hormones. No history of hair loss in my family. Wtf do I do?

in Question 12 upvotes 6 years ago

A 25-year-old woman has been losing hair for 10 years despite normal thyroid, hormone levels, and B12 supplementation. She has used Minoxidil with limited success and is considering hair transplants, Propecia, or shaving her head and wearing wigs.

community Losing hair everywhere, idk what to do :(

29 upvotes 5 years ago

A 22-year-old male has been experiencing widespread hair loss for over four years, including pain and significant shedding. Treatments tried include ketoconazole shampoo, fluocinonide topical solution, biotin, ACV, and dry shampoo, but none have been effective.

community Can I punch someone if they make fun of my hair loss, just like Will Smith did?

in Chat 448 upvotes 2 years ago

Hair loss's social impact, focusing on Will Smith defending Jada Pinkett Smith's alopecia. The conversation highlights double standards between men and women experiencing hair loss and emphasizes empathy.

community How essential is scalp biopsy when dealing with hair loss?

in Treatment 6 upvotes 1 month ago

The user experienced hair loss despite using Fin and Min for 12 years and switched to Dutasteride, RU58841, and Keto scalp serum, but shedding and itch persist. They are considering increasing Dutasteride to 2.5mg and questioning the necessity of a scalp biopsy, with mixed opinions on its usefulness.

Related Research

1 / 1 results

research Clinical Manifestations of Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus

148 citations, February 2005 in “Autoimmunity Reviews”

Most people with systemic lupus erythematosus have skin problems, and skin symptoms are often the first sign of the disease.