BLOOD PEPSINOGEN AS A SUBCLINICAL MARKER FOR DUODENAL-ULCER

Genetic factors, particularly group A pepsinogen (PGA) and certain blo od groups, seem to play a considerable part in the heterogeneity of ul cer disease, especially with regard to duodenal ulcer. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum PGA levels both in patients with duodenal ulcer and in various family members, thereby confirming possible corr elations between duodenal ulcer and membership in a given blood group. Serum PGA levels were found to be higher in duodenal ulcer patients t han in control subjects, whereas relatives of ulcer carriers had inter mediate levels. Belonging to any given blood group did not influence P GA levels in the three groups considered. Blood groups and PGA may the refore be considered separate subclinical markers for peptic ulcer, al though further prospective studies are warranted before PGA is to be c onsidered as a prognostic marker for the onset of ulcer disease in hea lthy individuals.