Meta-analysis of Nicorandil effectiveness on myocardial protection after percutaneous coronary intervention

BACKGROUND: Using the current meta-analysis as well as systematic review, to determine the curative effect of Nicorandil in comparison of no Nicorandil after elective percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) on patients. METHODS: Published literatures were identified via a computerized literature search of CENTRAL, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase Databases of Systematic Reviews. A set of randomized trials evaluating Nicorandil in comparison of no Nicorandil administered following PCI in patients harboring coronary artery disease were included. Outcomes were revealed based on the following parameters: peak creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) value, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), peak troponin I (cTnI), and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) per randomized patients. RESULTS: We included a total of 14 RCTs involving 1864 subjects in the present review. According to this meta-analysis, LVEF was significantly improved in Nicorandil group; the peak CK-MB level and the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events were remarkably lower in Nicorandil group. Nicorandil and no Nicorandil administered group appeared to be equivalent with regards to cTnI. CONCLUSIONS: Nicorandil is effective for patients undergoing elective PCI with coronary artery disease in terms of reducing the incidence of adverse cardiovascular events as well as improving heart function. Nicorandil may exert potential role as a valid and adjunctive therapy accompanied with PCI.