Efficiency of Baricitinib versus Tofacitinib in the Treatment of Vitiligo

Abstract

Background: An acquired, idiopathic autoimmune condition called vitiligo is typified by patches of skin, hair, or both that are depigmented. Despite being regarded as a benign condition that mostly affects appearance, vitiligo typically has a significant negative influence on a patient's quality of life and self-esteem and may even put them at higher risk for skin cancer and sunburn. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of baricitinib and tofacitinib in the treatment of vitiligo. Methods & Materials: The Ashiyan Medical College and Hospital's Department of Skin and VD hosted the cross-sectional observational study from June 2022 to May 2023. The study included 40 patients in total, both male and female. Over the course of a year, data was gathered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24, a computer program. Results: In this study, the mean age of the patients was 32.2 ± 1.3 years for the Baricitinib group and 38.6 ± 2.3 years for the Tofacitinib group. In the Baricitinib group, 11 patients (55.0%) were male, while in the Tofacitinib group, 13 patients (65.0%) were female. The mean duration of the disease was 6.2 ± 1.3 years for the Baricitinib group and 9.6 ± 2.3 years for the Tofacitinib group. Additionally, the mean treatment duration was 2.2 ± 1.3 months for the Baricitinib group and 3.6 ± 2.1 months for the Tofacitinib group. Following therapy, the VIDA score dropped to +3, +2, or +1.After the Baricitinib therapy, 13 (65.0%) of the 20 patients noted stopping disease progression, and after the Tofacitinib therapy, 11 (55.0%) of the 20 patients noted stopping disease progression. Repigmentation had appeared in 14 (70.0%) patient after Baricitinib therapy and 12 (60.0%) patients after Tofacitinib therapy. Response was excellent (≥75% repigmentation) in 6 patients, good (50%–75% repigmentation) in 4 patients, and moderate (25%–50% repigmentation) in 3 patients, while 1 patients showed a poor (<25% pigmentation) response in Baricitinib group and response was excellent (≥75% repigmentation) in 4 patients, good (50%–75% repigmentation) in 4 patients, and moderate (25%–50% repigmentation) in 2 patients, while 2 patients showed a poor (<25% pigmentation) response in Tofacitinib group. Conclusion: Although baricitinib and tofacitinib are both potential treatments for vitiligo, baricitinib may be a better choice, particularly when used with phototherapy.