Evaluating Dermatologists' Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Janus Kinase Inhibitor Therapy for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata
July 2024
in “
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
”
TLDR Dermatologists are hesitant to prescribe Janus kinase inhibitors for alopecia areata due to safety concerns and lack of knowledge.
This study evaluated the knowledge and attitudes of 86 U.S. dermatologists towards Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) for treating alopecia areata (AA). Despite JAKi's efficacy, safety concerns, particularly from rheumatoid arthritis trials, cause hesitation in prescribing, especially for patients under 17 and over 65. Most dermatologists prescribe JAKi infrequently, citing concerns about side effects and administrative burdens. The study found that dermatologists with more knowledge about JAKi were more comfortable prescribing them. The findings suggest a need for continued education on JAKi to address knowledge gaps and improve prescribing practices. Limitations include potential bias and lack of generalizability outside the U.S.