Diverticular fistulation is associated with nicorandil usage.
BACKGROUND
We observed that a number of patients presenting to our clinic with diverticular fistulation were taking nicorandil for angina. Recognised side effects of nicorandil include gastrointestinal and genital ulceration. The aim of our study was to determine whether nicorandil is an aetiological agent in diverticular fistulation.


METHODS
We conducted a case-control study of patients with diverticular disease related enteric fistulae. Two patient groups were identified: a study group of patients with diverticular fistulae, and a control group with uncomplicated diverticular disease. The proportion of patients who had ever used nicorandil was compared between the two groups.


RESULTS
A total of 153 case notes were analysed, 69 patients with fistulae and 84 control patients with uncomplicated diverticular disease. Female to male ratio in both groups was 2:1. The mean age was 71 years in the fistula group and 69 years in the control diverticular disease group (P = ns). Of those with colonic fistulae, 16% were taking nicorandil compared with 2% of the control group (odds ratio 7.8; 95% confidence interval 1.5-39.1; P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in rates of ischaemic heart disease between fistula and control groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Nicorandil is associated with fistula formation in diverticular disease.
McDaid
James
J
Department of Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. jmcdaid@doctors.net.uk
Reichl
Claire
C
Hamzah
Ihsan
I
Fitter
Samantha
S
Harbach
Laura
L
Savage
Adrian P
AP
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000188:drug therapy; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007412:Intestinal Fistula / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020108:Nicorandil / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012006:Rectovaginal Fistula / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000628:therapy; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D020108:Nicorandil
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