Tofacitinib Treatment in Patients With Active COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

Alopecia areata is a chronic autoimmune disorder attacking the hair follicle epithelium; hence, causing non-scarring hair loss. It has been found that Janus kinase 3 (JAK3) hyperactivity plays a key role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Tofacitinib is an effective JAK1 and JAK3 inhibitor that can block several cytokines such as IL-2, IL-7, and IL-6. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of oral tofacitinib in hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients. With the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it has been advised to withhold JAK inhibitors during the period of active infection due to possible immunosuppression. We herein report two cases of patients with alopecia universalis who continued to use tofacitinib during their active COVID-19 infection and showed no deterioration in their course of illness.