Clinical Experiences on Alopecia Areata Treatment with Tofacitinib: A Study of 63 Patients

The study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of tofacitinib, an oral medication, in treating 63 adult patients with severe alopecia areata (AA). These patients had not responded to previous treatments and had significant scalp involvement. The treatment lasted for a median of 12 months at a dose of 5 mg twice daily. Results showed that 25 patients had a complete response with over 90% improvement in their Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score, and 15 of these patients achieved 100% hair regrowth. A dose reduction was possible after a median of 10 months for these patients, with only 2 experiencing a relapse. The study found a positive correlation between longer treatment duration and better outcomes. Side effects were mild and included hyperseborrhea, upper respiratory infections, and acneiform eruptions, with no serious adverse events reported. The study concluded that tofacitinib is an effective and safe long-term treatment for AA, with nearly 40% of patients experiencing complete hair regrowth, highlighting its potential even at a small dose and in cases of severe AA. However, it recommended further research with a larger patient group to optimize treatment plans and identify prognostic factors.