Juvenile Alopecia Areata Treatment Safe, Effective

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors may be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia areata in children, according to a new study.

A growing number of studies have demonstrated the use successful use of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata in children. To further confirm, a group of researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis according PRISMA guidelines.

The researchers evaluated 10 studies that had 81.9% responders, 68.5% good responders, and 7.7% partial responders. Treatment lasted longer in good responders than in partial responders (P = 0.009). The studies included an oral medication and a topical medication to treat alopecia areata. After reviewing the studies, the researchers found that the oral medication was linked to a better response compared with the topical medication (odds ratio = 7.8; 95% CI 1.655 – 36.76).

Adverse events were reported, but the researchers noted that they are mild and reversible. The most common adverse events included liver transaminase elevation, upper respiratory tract infection, and eosinophilia.

—Jessica Ganga

Reference:

Chen Y, Zhu H, Shen Y, et al. Efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Dermatol Treat. Published online October 13, 2022. doi:10.1080/09546634.2022.2133956