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Biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease: a practical guide
Jennie Clough1,2, Michael Colwill1, Andrew Poullis1
1St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology
|May 13, 2024
Summary
Biomarkers like C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin aid in assessing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Clinical Medicine
- Biomarker Discovery and Application
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), presents a significant healthcare burden with increasing global prevalence.
- Current diagnostic and monitoring standards for IBD, primarily endoscopic procedures, are invasive and costly.
- Existing non-invasive biomarkers, such as C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin, are widely used but require careful interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current evidence supporting the use of established biomarkers in managing UC and CD.
- To provide practical guidance for healthcare professionals on interpreting biomarker data in IBD.
- To explore the potential of novel biomarkers for advancing precision medicine in IBD.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of existing literature on biomarkers for IBD.
- Evidence for the clinical utility of C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin in UC and CD was summarized.
- Future directions in biomarker discovery for IBD were discussed.
Main Results:
- C-reactive protein and faecal calprotectin are valuable, accessible biomarkers for assessing IBD activity and treatment response.
- Interpretation of these biomarkers requires consideration of their limitations in the context of clinical presentation.
- Emerging biomarkers show promise for more personalized IBD management strategies.
Conclusions:
- Biomarkers offer a less invasive and potentially more cost-effective adjunct to endoscopy in IBD management.
- Optimizing the use of current biomarkers and developing novel ones are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Biomarker advancements are key to achieving precision medicine goals in inflammatory bowel disease.
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