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Alopecia Areata — SCE Dermatology MCQ

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HardHair DisordersAlopecia AreataSCE Dermatology

A 14-year-old has severe alopecia areata with SALT 72 despite appropriate topical therapy. There is major psychosocial impairment and no contraindication to a JAK-family treatment. Which NHS option is supported by NICE?

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Correct answer: C — Offer ritlecitinib within its marketing authorisation after shared specialist assessment

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · C = shown as D · B = shown as E

D is correct. NICE TA958 recommends ritlecitinib within its marketing authorisation for severe alopecia areata in people aged 12 years and over. The decision is specialist-led and includes infection, vaccination, thrombotic, cardiovascular and malignancy risk assessment according to product information. It is not recommended for every limited patch, and indefinite systemic corticosteroid treatment is not an equivalent long-term strategy. Baricitinib is licensed in Great Britain for adults, but NICE did not make it the commissioned option tested here. Response, adverse effects and patient priorities are reviewed over time.

Reference: NICE TA958: ritlecitinib for severe alopecia areata: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta958/chapter/1-Recommendations