Baricitinib Demonstrates Rapid Action Within Just 2 Months of Treatment in Severe and Unresponsive Alopecia Areata: A Case Report

Abstract

Alopecia areata (AA) is a form of nonscarring alopecia, and is the most common immune-mediated cause of hair loss worldwide. Numerous therapeutic schedules available as off-label options have demonstrated only limited results. However, in 2022, baricitinib, a selective JAK1 and JAK2 inhibitor, was approved as an oral administered systemic therapy for severe AA. Based on this, the authors used it in a 21-year-old White female, who presented with a 15-year history of severe AA (Severity of Alopecia Tool score [SALT]: score 88) and immense psychological burden. After laboratory examinations within normal limits, baricitinib was administered as monotherapy with a 4 mg daily dosage. The severe AA improved rapidly after the first month, and resulted in total hair restoration just after the second month under baricitinib treatment. Besides clinical improvement, SALT score impressively reduced to 30 and 10, respectively, in 2 and 6 months. Six months later, the patient is keeping up the same treatment with no sign of relapse, and is on a 2-month follow-up schedule. In the authors’ patient, almost total hair restoration was achieved in less than 3 months of treatment, which strongly advocates for the addition of baricitinib in the dermatologic armament as a safe, adequate, and fast AA remedy.