Effect of Nicorandil Administration on Preventing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: A Meta-Analysis

Several studies have investigated the effect of nicorandil on contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the final results of these trials are not identical. This meta-analysis evaluated the role of nicorandil administration on CIN prevention. We searched databases to find randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing nicorandil with hydration versus conventional hydration therapy on preventing CIN. Finally, 5 articles (805 patients) were included in our meta-analysis; the data showed that nicorandil was related to significant reduction in the risk of CIN (risk ratio = 0.37, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22-0.61, P = .0001). We found not only the cystatin C level after operation was nonsignificant between 2 groups at the first 24 hours ( P = .65, 95% CI = -0.06 to 0.04) and 48 hours ( P = .19, 95% CI = -0.11 to 0.02) but also the serum creatinine level was nonsignificantly elevated, at 24 hours ( P = .46, 95% CI = -5.19 to 1.88) and 72 hours ( P = .49, 95% CI = -0.49 to 0.34). Our analysis suggested that the nicorandil treatment compared with conventional hydration can significantly reduce the risk of CIN.