Abstract
Background:
Despite the established therapeutic potential of ritlecitinib for alopecia areata (AA), real-world evidence regarding its effects on lipid metabolism remains limited.
Objective:
To characterize the effects of ritlecitinib therapy on lipid profiles in patients with AA.
Methods:
In this single-center retrospective cohort study, we evaluated 55 patients with AA who completed ≥24 weeks of ritlecitinib therapy. Fasting serum lipid parameters (total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-HDL-C), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) were assessed at baseline, 12, and 24 weeks. Comparative analyses were conducted between patients with normal versus abnormal baseline lipid profiles.
Results:
Ritlecitinib therapy demonstrated stability across conventional lipid parameters throughout the 24 week observation period. A clinically significant reduction in AIP was observed at 12 weeks (median change: −0.31, 95% CI: −0.37 to −0.21; P < .05). Patients with baseline dyslipidemia exhibited progressive improvement in atherogenic lipid fractions, suggesting a potential therapeutic modulation of lipid metabolism.
Limitations:
Single-center and Chinese-limited cohort.
Conclusion:
These real-world data suggest ritlecitinib maintains a favorable lipid safety profile while potentially conferring metabolic benefits for AA patients with preexisting dyslipidemia.
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