TLDR Sulfasalazine can cause severe allergic reactions leading to long-term autoimmune issues like hair loss and skin discoloration.
A 59-year-old male with rheumatoid arthritis developed a severe case of sulfasalazine-induced DRESS, characterized by a generalized pruritic rash, eosinophilia, renal and hepatic impairment, and CMV reactivation. Despite treatment with corticosteroids and cyclosporine, he experienced intermittent flares and developed alopecia universalis and vitiligo. The alopecia and vitiligo persisted even after the resolution of DRESS, highlighting the potential for long-term autoimmune sequelae following DRESS. This case underscores the importance of monitoring patients for autoimmune complications and viral reactivation even after the initial resolution of DRESS symptoms.
157 citations,
September 2012 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Young patients are more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, while elderly patients are more prone to organ failure after DRESS.
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6 citations,
November 2022 in “Journal of autoimmunity” JAK inhibitors like tofacitinib may effectively treat Alopecia Areata.
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October 2022 in “Journal of Armed Forces Medical College, Bangladesh” Tofacitinib is effective and safe for treating alopecia areata.
39 citations,
April 2016 in “Case Reports in Dermatology” Tofacitinib temporarily regrew hair in a man with alopecia, but its effects didn't last.
5 citations,
June 2015 in “Veterinary dermatology” A dog with complete hair loss regrew most hair after treatment, with no relapse after stopping treatment.
45 citations,
July 2008 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Sulfasalazine may help treat persistent alopecia areata.
39 citations,
April 2003 in “Australasian journal of dermatology” PUVA treatment led to significant hair regrowth in over half of the patients with alopecia areata totalis and universalis.
[object Object] 62 citations,
April 2002 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Sulfasalazine may help regrow hair in severe alopecia areata cases.
