![What is Alopecia?](https://img.etimg.com/thumb/msid-105382898,width-300,height-225,imgsize-2369827,resizemode-75/what-is-alopecia.jpg)
The study, conducted by Dr. Kabir Sardana from the dermatology department of RML Hospital, included patients with severe cases of alopecia areata, alopecia universalis (complete hair loss on the scalp and body), and alopecia totalis (complete hair loss on the scalp) who did not respond to other treatment options. The patients' ages ranged from 5 to 34 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 8:1. However, the study found that tofacitinib yielded poor results in patients who had been suffering from alopecia for more than 10 years or had developed the condition within the first three years of their life.
Dr. Sardana told TOI about the safety and efficacy of tofacitinib, stating that side effects were only observed in elderly individuals and those with heart issues. He also highlighted the tendency of autoimmune disorders to recur, suggesting that the medication should be taken as needed. In comparison, oral steroids, which are an alternative treatment option, have more side effects and are often misused.
The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the complete response rates of patients with severe and treatment-resistant AA, AT, and AU who received tofacitinib monotherapy. The severity of alopecia was quantified using the Scalp Hair Loss Assessment Tool (SALT) score, a commonly used measure in clinical trials. The study also analyzed the previous use of systemic agents in these patients before tofacitinib treatment.
The study analyzed the medical records of 17 patients with severe or refractory AA, AT, and AU who were treated with tofacitinib alone. The response to the therapy was measured by calculating the percentage change in SALT scores. Of the 17 patients, nine had severe AA, five had AT, and three had AU. Prior to starting tofacitinib, all patients had received systemic glucocorticoids or immunosuppressive agents. The mean SALT score before treatment was 74.23, and the average duration of tofacitinib use was 9.2 months, with a mean dose of 13.23mg. The latest percentage change in SALT scores ranged from 70.6% to 100%, with an average improvement of 91.5%.
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.
Read More News on
(Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2024 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.)
Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.