Novel biomarkers in inflammatory bowel disease

The value of simple and practical tests to enhance clinical management of people suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) were investigated. The novel application of specific blood tests and/or the measurement of a novel protein in tissue samples showed ways of accurately evaluating the state of the disease and response to treatment and of defining the best dose of a commonly used drug. Nutritional status assessed by ultrasound of the limbs was accurate both for muscle size and its change with therapy. Many of these tests are suitable for integration into clinical practice.