[Pepsin activity of the stomach as a pathogenetic factor of duodenal ulcer and prognostic indicator of its course].

Proteolytic activity in the stomach can play an active role in pathogenesis of duodenal ulcer (DU). When high, this activity attends a severe course of the disease. It is feasible to prognosticate DU progress in remission patients basing on gastric pepsin levels. Normal gastric pepsin levels suggest a favorable long-term outcome. In DU aggravation investigations of acid-peptic aggression should be supplemented by examination of the mucous protective barrier.