Effectiveness of Oral Tofacitinib Dose Tapering in a Case of Alopecia Areata Universalis

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Alopecia areata (AA) is a form of nonscarring alopecia and one of the most common autoimmune disorders. Persistent or severe variants lead to potential disfigurement and are associated with a significant negative impact on the patient’s quality of life. <b><i>Case Presentation:</i></b> A 51-year-old female patient presenting with refractory alopecia universalis was successfully treated with oral tofacitinib. Recurrence was not observed following 17 months of therapy. <b><i>Discussion/Conclusion:</i></b> None of the currently employed therapies for AA are reliably effective nor are they approved for the disease. In this setting, Janus kinase inhibitors emerge as a promising novel treatment, as increasing evidence supports their effectiveness in AA.