[Determination of serum pepsinogen I and II for assessment of gastroduodenal tolerance of S(+) ibuprofen].

Therapy with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs often causes gastroduodenal side effects. Changes in the gastric mucosa were studied by determination of serum pepsinogen I and pepsinogen II by the means of radioimmunoassay. 41 patients with degenerative rheumatic diseases were divided into two groups, 21 patients receiving 600 mg S(+) ibuprofen daily (3 x 200mg) and 20 patients receiving 900 mg S(+) ibuprofen daily (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. None of the gastroduodenal side effects frequently reported during therapy with non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs occurred.