Effect of pirfenidone on plasma markers of collagen turnover in patients with heart failure, preserved left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial fibrosis

Open Heart 2026 Open access

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Authors: Nicholas Black, Gavin A. Lewis, Fardad Soltani, Susanna R. Dodd, Erik B. Schelbert, Susana Ravassa, Begoña López, Arantxa González, John G.F. Cleland, Chris Miller
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2025-003596
Cited by: 0
References: 36

Abstract

Background Plasma concentrations of procollagen type-I C-terminal pro-peptide (PICP) and collagen type-I C-terminal telopeptide (CITP) may reflect collagen turnover and systemic fibrosis. We investigated the effect of pirfenidone, an anti-fibrotic agent, on PICP and CITP, and their association with myocardial fibrosis, using cardiovascular magnetic resonance to measure extracellular volume (ECV). Methods In the trial (Pirfenidone in Patients with Heart Failure and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction), PICP, CITP and PICP:CITP ratio were measured at baseline and follow-up in patients with ECV≥27% randomised (n=94) to pirfenidone or placebo, and at baseline only in patients who were not randomised because of ECV

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cardiac Fibrosis and Remodeling Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Heart Failure Treatment and Management

Publication details

Journal / source
Open Heart
Volume
13
Issue
1
Pages
e003596–e003596
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN