Laura Hoffmann

Laura Hoffmann


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
3 July 2025 in Diagnostics
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GTGyde Tadsen
Gyde Tadsen
NZNadine Zehrfeld
Nadine Zehrfeld
LHLaura Hoffmann
Laura Hoffmann
MGMarten Arne Gehlhaar
Marten Arne Gehlhaar
Bettina HohbergerBettina Hohberger
Bettina Hohberger
KHKaterina Hufendiek
Katerina Hufendiek
Background/Objectives: This study investigates the macular microvasculature in a large cohort of primary Sjögren’s disease (SjD) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), focusing on how disease duration, activity, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment influence retinal microcirculation. Methods: A total of 106 eyes (53 SjD patients) and 70 eyes (35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HCs)) were examined. The vessel area density (VAD, %) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ, mm2) were measured in three retinal layers: Superficial Vascular Plexus (SVP), Intermediate Capillary Plexus (ICP), and Deep Capillary Plexus (DCP), respectively, in three peri-macular circular sectors (c1, c2, c3) each. Results: The VAD was significantly lower in c1 of the DCP in SjD compared to HCs (29.14 ± 7.07 vs. 31.78 ± 9.55, p = 0.038). The FAZ was significantly larger in SjD in both SVP (0.41 ± 0.13 vs. 0.34, 0.11, p < 0.001; Cohen’s |d| = 0.55) and DCP (0.45 ± 0.15 vs. 0.4 ± 0.14, p = 0.014; Cohen’s |d| ± 0.38). Significant correlations were observed between the FAZ size and reductions in the VAD in the SVP and DCP (p = 0.010, Cohen’s |d| = 0.2; p < 0.001, Cohen’s |d| ± 0.26) and across all layers combined (p = 0.019, Cohen’s |d| = −0.18). Conclusions: There was a negative correlation between the VAD in the DCP and disease duration (ρ = −0.28, p = 0.040). No significant correlation was identified between the duration of HCQ intake and the VAD or FAZ. Our findings indicate microvascular alterations in the DCP of SjD, characterized by a reduced VAD and an enlarged FAZ, which may be attributable to inflammatory or arteriosclerotic factors. OCTA may prove to be a valuable tool for the stratification of vascular risk in SjD.