Papers of the Week

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most prevalent inflammatory skin diseases. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor baricitinib is a promising treatment for AD as shown in recent clinical trials. We conducted the systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the efficacy and safety of baricitinib. Data analysis was carried out using Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager 5.4 software and performed as risk ratios (RR) with 95% CIs. Six RCTs involving a total of 2595 patients were included in the review. The meta-analysis revealed that patients in baricitinib group had significant higher rates achieving EASI75, EASI90, IGA-Response, SCORAD75, and Itch NRS Improvement. Pooled analysis also showed no significant differences in treatment emergent adverse events (TEAEs) between baricitinib and placebo groups. In conclusion, our meta-analysis showed that baricitinib has promising efficacy for moderate-to-severe AD with favorable safety files.