DETERMINATION OF SERUM PEPSINOGEN-I AND P EPSINOGEN-II TO ACCESS THE GASTRODUODENAL TOLERANCE OF S(+) IBUPROFEN

Therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often causes gastro duodenal side effects. Changes in the gastric mucosa were studied by d etermination of serum pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II by the means of r adioimmunoassay. 41 patients with degenerative rheumatic diseases were divided into two groups, 21 patients receiving 600 mg S(+) ibuprofen daily (3 x 200 mg) and 20 patients receiving 900 mg S(+) ibuprofen dai ly (3 x 300 mg) over a 14-day period. No significant increase occurred in mean and median Values of pepsinogen I and II. Indeed, no changes in serum pepsinogen I and II were noted in 80% of the patients in the higher dosage group and in more than 90% of the lower dosage group. No ne of the gastroduodenal side effects frequently reported during thera py with non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs occurred.