Efficacy of oral JAK inhibitors combined with 308-nm excimer laser in pediatric progressive vitiligo: A multicenter study.

BACKGROUND

Treatment options for progressive vitiligo in children are limited, with current therapies often lacking sustained efficacy and safety.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Janus kinase inhibitor combined with 308-nm excimer laser therapy in children with progressive vitiligo.

METHODS

This multicenter, prospective, single-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 188 children aged 2∼18 years with progressive vitiligo who received treatment for 48 weeks. Group A received an oral Janus kinase inhibitor combined with 308-nm excimer laser therapy, while Group B received topical tacrolimus combined with 308-nm excimer laser therapy. The primary outcome was the rate of repigmentation assessed by the Vitiligo Area Scoring Index.

RESULTS

Group A exhibited significantly higher repigmentation rates than Group B (P < .001), with mild to moderate adverse events and good tolerability. Treatment response was correlated with age, disease duration, lesion location, and follicular depigmentation.

LIMITATIONS: The single-blind design, limited sample size and follow-up, and single comparator restrict generalizability regarding long-term efficacy and safety.

CONCLUSION

Janus kinase inhibitor combined with 308-nm excimer laser therapy demonstrates promising efficacy and safety in pediatric progressive vitiligo, supporting its potential as a therapeutic option.