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Westerkam LL, McShane DB, Nieman EL, Morrell DS. Treatment Options for Alopecia Areata in Children and Adolescents. Paediatr Drugs 2024; 26:245-257. [PMID: 38466519 DOI: 10.1007/s40272-024-00620-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) lifetime incidence is around 2%, with many patients first experiencing symptoms during childhood. However, ritlecitinib is the only FDA-approved treatment for pediatric patients 12 years and older. This review outlines reported topical, injectable, and oral treatment options for pediatric patients with AA. Clinical studies were obtained via a PubMed search using the following search terms: alopecia areata, areata, universalis, or totalis and medication, therapy, treatment, drug, or management. Only studies with pediatric patients were included in this review. Commonly used therapies, including corticosteroids, methotrexate, and minoxidil, newer promising medications, such as Janus kinase inhibitors, and less frequently used topical and systemic treatments are included. A summary of the drug development pipeline and ongoing interventional clinical trials with pediatric patients is provided. Treatments demonstrate variable efficacy, and many patients require combination therapy for maximal response. More robust clinical data is needed for many of the medications reviewed in order to provide better care for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana B McShane
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth L Nieman
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dean S Morrell
- Department of Dermatology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Huang J, Li T, Tan Z, Tang Y, Li J, Liu F, Shi W. Effectiveness of Tofacitinib in Pre-adolescent Alopecia Areata: A Retrospective Case Series and Literature Review. Acta Derm Venereol 2023; 103:adv13418. [PMID: 37731213 PMCID: PMC10525442 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v103.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is a common cause of hair loss in children. Despite numerous therapeutic options for paediatric AA, none have been found to be both effective and safe. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor tofacitinib in adult patients with AA, whereas data on paediatric patients with AA in real-world practice are limited. This was a single-centre, retrospective study that included 11 pre-adolescent patients with AA treated with tofacitinib between December 2021 and September 2022. Clinical characteristics of patients, clinical response and adverse events were evaluated. Overall, 82% (9/11) of patients experienced hair regrowth and 64% (7/11) of patients experienced over 50% improvement in their Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) scores. Adverse events were mild. In the literature, tofacitinib has been used to treat AA in 31 children ≤12 years of age who failed to respond to prior treatments. Eighty-seven percent (27/31) of these patients showed significant responses based on changes in their SALT scores. This case series demonstrates that oral tofacitinib is an effective and safe treatment option for paediatric AA, particularly for children who have failed to respond to traditional treatments or are not suitable for such treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jundong Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Hu Nan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Changsha, China.
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Hu Nan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Changsha, China
| | - Zixin Tan
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Hu Nan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Hu Nan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Changsha, China
| | - Ji Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Hu Nan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Changsha, China
| | - Fanfeng Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Hu Nan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Changsha, China.
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University,Hu Nan Key Laboratory of Aging Biology, Changsha, China.
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Mao MQ, Ding YX, Jing J, Tang ZW, Miao YJ, Yang XS, Chen YH, Chen SZ, Wu XJ, Lu ZF. The evaluation of JAK inhibitors on effect and safety in alopecia areata: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 2018 patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1195858. [PMID: 37334349 PMCID: PMC10272608 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1195858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background JAK inhibitors treat various autoimmune diseases, but an updated systematic review in treating alopecia areata is currently lacking. Objective Evaluate the specific efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in alopecia areata by systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods Eligible studies in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials up to May 30, 2022, were searched. We enrolled in randomized controlled trials and observational studies of applying JAK inhibitors in alopecia areata. Results 6 randomized controlled trials with 1455 patients exhibited SALT50 (odd ratio [OR], 5.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.49-7.38), SALT90 (OR, 7.40; 95% CI, 4.34-12.67) and change in SALT score (weighted mean difference [WSD], 5.55; 95% CI, 2.60-8.50) compared to the placebo. The proportion of 26 observational studies with 563 patients of SALT5 was 0.71(95% CI, 0.65-0.78), SALT50 was 0.54(95% CI 0.46-0.63), SALT90 was 0.33(95% CI, 0.24-0.42), and SALT score (WSD, -2.18; 95% CI, -3.12 to -1.23) compared with baseline. Any adverse effects occurred in 921 of 1508 patients; a total of 30 patients discontinued the trial owing to adverse reactions. Limitations Few randomized controlled trials met the inclusion criteria and insufficiency of eligible data. Conclusion JAK inhibitors are effective in alopecia areata, although associated with an increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jing Jing
- *Correspondence: Zhong-fa Lu, ; Jing Jing,
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Papierzewska M, Waśkiel-Burnat A, Rudnicka L. Safety of Janus Kinase inhibitors in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Systematic Review. Clin Drug Investig 2023; 43:325-334. [PMID: 37138134 PMCID: PMC10155665 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-023-01260-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are emerging as a therapeutic option for alopecia areata. The risk of potential adverse events is currently debated. In particular, several safety data for JAK inhibitors are extrapolated from a single study in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with tofacitinib or adalimumab/etanercept as a comparator. The population of patients with alopecia areata is clinically and immunologically different from persons with rheumatoid arthritis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are not effective in these patients. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze available data on the safety of various JAK inhibitors in patients with alopecia areata. METHODS The systematic review was performed according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A literature review was performed by searching PubMed, Scopus and EBSCO databases with the last search on March 13, 2023. RESULTS In total, 36 studies were included. The frequency and odds ratio (OR) for most common adverse events versus placebo were: for baricitinib hypercholesterolemia (18.2% vs 10.5%, OR = 1.9) and headache (6.1% vs 5.1%, OR = 1.2), for brepocitinib elevated creatinine level (27.7% vs 4.3%, OR = 8.6) and acne (10.6% vs 4.3%, OR = 2.7), for ritlecitinib acne (10.4% vs 4.3%, OR = 2.6) and headache (12.5% vs 10.6%, OR = 1.2) and for deuruxolitinib headache (21.4% vs 9.1%, OR = 2.7) and acne (13.6% vs 4.5%, OR = 3.3). The respective numbers for upper respiratory infections were: baricitinib (7.3% vs 7.0%, OR = 1.0) and brepocitinib (23.4% vs 10.6%, OR = 2.6); for nasopharyngitis: ritlecitinib (12.5% vs 12.8%, OR = 1.0) and deuruxolitinib (14.6% vs 2.3%, OR = 7.3). CONCLUSIONS The most common side effects of JAK inhibitors in patients with alopecia areata were headache and acne. The OR for upper respiratory tract infections varied from over 7-fold increased to comparable to placebo. The risk of serious adverse events was not increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Papierzewska
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Waśkiel-Burnat
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008, Warsaw, Poland.
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Kołcz K, Żychowska M, Sawińska E, Reich A. Alopecia Universalis in an Adolescent Successfully Treated with Upadacitinib-A Case Report and Review of the Literature on the Use of JAK Inhibitors in Pediatric Alopecia Areata. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2023; 13:843-856. [PMID: 36639612 PMCID: PMC9984583 DOI: 10.1007/s13555-023-00889-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is a cell-mediated autoimmune disease in which a cytotoxic T-cell response against hair follicles occurs. AA has been demonstrated to frequently co-exist with atopic dermatitis (AD), and the coincidence of atopy predisposes to a more severe course of the disease. To date, therapeutic options in AA, especially in the pediatric population, are mainly limited to corticosteroids, irritants, sensitizers, and immunosuppressive agents. Recently, innovative therapies have emerged, among which Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, effective in both AD and AA, appear to be the most promising. Here, a 14-year-old girl with alopecia universalis (AU) and mild AD is demonstrated, who was successfully treated with a selective JAK1 inhibitor, upadacitinib, which has been approved for the treatment of AD in adults and children aged 12 years and older. Resolution of eczema and complete hair regrowth was achieved after 3 months of therapy. Apart from transient mild leukopenia at weeks 4 and 8, no adverse events were noted. Data in the literature on the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of AA in the pediatric population is based on single case reports and case series. So far, topical tofacitinib and ruxolitinib, as well as systemic tofacitinib, ruxolitinib, and baricitinib have been used off-label in this indication in children. Upadacitinib is another effective treatment option with a good benefit-risk ratio for patients with AA, including cases coexisting with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Kołcz
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Szopena 2 Street, 35-055, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Magdalena Żychowska
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Szopena 2 Street, 35-055, Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Edyta Sawińska
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Szopena 2 Street, 35-055, Rzeszow, Poland
- Department of Cosmetology, University of Information Technology and Management, Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Adam Reich
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Medical College of Rzeszow University, Szopena 2 Street, 35-055, Rzeszow, Poland
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Ramírez-Marín HA, Tosti A. Emerging drugs for the treatment of alopecia areata. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:379-387. [PMID: 36408593 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2149735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alopecia Areata (AA) is the second most common non-scarring hair loss disorder, with a prevalence of 1 in 1000 and a lifetime incidence of 2% worldwide. Data from a recent American study shows that from 68,121 patients with the diagnosis of AA, 37,995 (55.8%) were prescribed treatment for AA within a year of diagnosis, however there are still no therapies able to induce permanent remission, or treatments that guarantee hair regrowth/remissions in 100% of cases, especially in longstanding/severe AA. Recently, oral baricitinib has been approved for AA, being the first drug approved for this specific indication. AREAS COVERED The current review will provide a summary of current pharmacological approaches and novel therapeutics in development. EXPERT OPINION New and very effective drugs have become available for the treatment of severe AA, and many others are expected soon. However, even new, effective treatments are not effective in all patients and recurrence rates after treatment interruption are high. AA is a systemic disease with important impact on quality of life and should not be considered just as an aesthetic problem. Treatment of the disease should take in account and possibly also address treatment of comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Tosti
- Dr. Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Chen Y, Zhu H, Shen Y, Zhu Y, Sun J, Dai Y, Song X. Efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors in the treatment of alopecia areata in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J DERMATOL TREAT 2022; 33:3143-3149. [PMID: 36214579 DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2022.2133956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-scarring hair loss mediated by T lymphocytes. Recently, a growing number of studies have shown that Janus kinase inhibitors are effective in the treatment of AA in children. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Good response was defined as more than 50% decrease in Severity of Alopecia Tool (SALT) score or complete regrowth or more than 50% regrowth. Partial response was defined as 5-50% decrease in SALT score. Any response to treatment was defined as more than 5% in SALT score decrease. RESULTS There were 81.9% responders, 68.5% good responders, and 7.7% partial responders among the 10 included studies. The treatment duration was longer in good responders than in partial responders (p = .009). Oral route was linked to a better response to topical medication, with an odds ratio of 7.8 (95%CI 1.655-36.76). In terms of toxicity, reported adverse events included only mild symptoms. Liver transaminase elevation, upper respiratory tract infection, and eosinophilia were the most common adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Janus kinase inhibitors demonstrated promise in the treatment of AA in children, with the most common side effects being minor and reversible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huijun Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqing Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuqi Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yeqin Dai
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiuzu Song
- Department of Dermatology, Hangzhou Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Hangzhou Dermatology Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Youssef S, Bordone LA. Clinical response to oral tofacitinib in pediatric patients with alopecia areata. JAAD Case Rep 2022; 31:83-88. [PMID: 36545483 PMCID: PMC9762069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdcr.2022.08.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Soundos Youssef
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Lindsey A. Bordone
- Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York,Correspondence to: Lindsey A. Bordone, MD, Department of Dermatology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 161 Fort Washington Avenue, New York, NY 10032.
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Geng SL, Gong T, Ji C, Su HH. Oral tofacitinib for successful treatment of refractory alopecia areata in preschool children. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2022; 36:e1055-e1057. [PMID: 35876014 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.18447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S L Geng
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Fujian Dermatology and Venereology Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer of Fujian Higher Education Institutions, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - T Gong
- Central Laboratory, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - C Ji
- Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology and Venereology, Fujian Dermatology and Venereology Research Institute, Key Laboratory of Skin Cancer of Fujian Higher Education Institutions, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350005, China
| | - H H Su
- Department of Dermatology, Tianjin Children's Hospital, Tianjin, 300074, China
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