[Neutrophil elastase activity in patients with ulcerative colitis].

In order to find an objective marker of disease intensity, neutrophil elastase activity was determined in patients with ulcerative colitis. The study included 41 patients with ulcerative colitis who were divided into two groups depending on tge stage of the disease on the basis of the activity index according to Maier et al. The obtained results of studies were compared a group of 18 healthy persons. The values of neutrophil elastase activity in the patients and in the control group were subjected to statistical analysis. It was found that neutrophil elastase activity in the patients with high degree of disease intensity was lower than that in the patients with low degree of disease intensity and in healthy subjects. The obtained differences were statistically significant. From the results of the study the conclusion was drawn that the neutrophil elastase activity may be an indicator of ulcerative colitis activity.