[Pharmacoeconomics in the therapy of peptic ulcer]

The great prevalence and chronic nature of peptic ulcers traditionally represent a great economic load for the system of health care. The exponentially growing therapeutic and diagnostic possibilities of the treatment of peptic diseases are under a strong economic pressure from health-insurance companies. The use of an economic model for the management of peptic diseases aims to maximize health benefit from limited sources of the health services. It can be said already now that the detection of the Helicobacter pylori infection ranks among the most important discoveries of the 20th century. Elimination of the Helicobacter pylori infection can produce a dramatic reduction in relapses of peptic ulcers, which is reflected not only in the improved quality of life but also in a subsequent economic contribution. The present authors paid attention to the financial costs of the combined therapy for eradication of the Helicobacter pylori infection in the course of the years 1998-2001.