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Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 and outcomes in acute heart failure: an analysis of the STRONG-HF and CORTAHF studies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Circulating dipeptidyl peptidase 3 (cDPP3) is implicated in cardiocirculatory failure and elevated concentrations predict poor outcomes in shock states. Its role in acute heart failure (AHF) is unexplored. We assessed the clinical relevance of cDPP3 in AHF. METHODS: Analyses were performed using two prospective AHF trials: STRONG-HF and CORTAHF. cDPP3 was measured at baseline and follow-up (day 90 in STRONG-HF; day 30 in CORTAHF). Associations with 180-day (STRONG-HF) and 90-day (CORTAHF) outcomes were evaluated according to baseline concentrations. Longitudinal changes during guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) optimization and predictors of elevated cDPP3 were analysed. RESULTS: In STRONG-HF, 222/973 patients (23%) had cDPP3 ≥ 40 ng/mL. These patients were younger (58 ± 15 vs. 65 ± 13 years, P < .0001), more frequently female (47.7% vs. 35.8%, P = .0013) and Black (42.8% vs. 14.4%, P < .0001), with lower NT-proBNP concentrations (P < .0001). Baseline cDPP3 ≥ 40 ng/mL was not associated with 180-day outcomes. Over 90 days, cDPP3 decreased by -15% with high-intensity care and -8% with usual care (P = .078). Changes in cDPP3 were not associated with NT-proBNP reduction (continuous P = .797; ≥30% responder P = .990). In pooled multivariable analysis, MRA use was independently associated with cDPP3 ≥ 40 ng/mL (OR 3.83; 95% CI 1.47-9.96; P = .006), whereas non-Black ethnicity was associated with lower odds (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.29-0.64; P < .0001). CONCLUSION: In AHF, cDPP3 was mildly elevated and was not associated with clinical outcomes or congestion relief during GDMT optimization. Elevated cDPP3 identified a distinct clinical phenotype but did not confer adverse prognosis.

Source: ESC Heart Failure

DOI: 10.1093/eschf/xvag076