By Ted Rosen, MD
According to the results of a recently published investigation in JAMA Dermatology1, the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors currently utilized for a variety of skin diseases appear safe in our dermatological population. A meta-analysis of 45 randomized clinical trials comprised of 12,996 patients disclosed neither an increased risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE) such as heart attack and stroke) nor of venous thromboembolic events (VTE). This particular study did not address other safety concerns, such as all-cause mortality, infections, or cancer. Nonetheless, in this large cohort, treated for a median duration of 16 weeks, there was no detectable cardiovascular risk in those receiving oral JAK inhibitor therapy. The Editor finds this to be comforting and encouraging, although the full story including much longer-term use, has yet to be similarly investigated.
Ted Rosen, MD, is a Professor of Dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and the Medical Editor of the Dermatology Digest.
- Ireland PA, Jansson N, Spencer SKR. Short-Term Cardiovascular Complications in Dermatology Patients Receiving JAK-STAT Inhibitors: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials. JAMA Dermatol. January 31, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2023.5509
