Efficacy of Tofacitinib on Skin Thickening in Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis: A Comparative Study With Methotrexate

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Tofacitinib compared to Methotrexate (MTX) in reducing skin thickening in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc). Systemic sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by skin fibrosis and internal organ involvement. Despite existing treatments, many patients continue to experience progressive skin and joint symptoms. Tofacitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has shown potential benefit in reducing inflammation and fibrosis in autoimmune diseases. This randomized controlled study will compare the change in Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI), and 12-Item Short Form Survey (SF-12) between the Tofacitinib and Methotrexate groups over the study period. The study will also monitor adverse events and laboratory parameters to assess drug safety and tolerability.