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Updated: Dec 6, 2025
06:41
A New Technique for Quantitative Analysis of Hair Loss in Mice Using Grayscale Analysis
Published on: March 9, 2015
9.3K
[Alopecia areata with good response to tofacitinib]
A Maksimow1, D Stintzing2, J Wohlrab3,2
1Universitätsklinikum Halle (Saale), Klinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06097, Halle (Saale), Deutschland. Anna_Maksimow@hotmail.de.
Summary
Tofacitinib effectively treated a patient with severe alopecia areata universalis after other therapies failed. This JAK inhibitor promoted significant hair regrowth over 18 months, showing promise for difficult cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alopecia areata universalis is a severe autoimmune condition causing extensive hair loss.
- Conventional treatments like glucocorticoids and phototherapy often yield limited or frustrating results.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old woman with active, treatment-resistant alopecia areata universalis was treated with tofacitinib.
- The patient had previously failed topical/systemic glucocorticoids, PUVA, and dithranol therapies.
Findings:
- Tofacitinib, administered at 10 mg/day, initiated hair regrowth within 4-6 months.
- Complete scalp hair regrowth was observed over an 18-month treatment period.
- The therapy was well-tolerated by the patient.
Implications:
- Off-label tofacitinib represents a potential therapeutic option for severe alopecia areata.
- This case highlights the efficacy of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibition in managing refractory alopecia areata.
- Further research into tofacitinib for alopecia areata is warranted.
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