Utility of Biomarkers in the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

OPINION STATEMENT: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is comprised of complex clinical and pathological conditions. It runs a chronic course, and proper management requires constant monitoring of disease activity. Recent evidence suggests that subjective patient scores have a poor correlation with disease activity. Endoscopy remains the gold standard for diagnosing and monitoring disease activity. As healthcare is moving towards less costly and less invasive treatments, the need for biomarkers in the management of IBD is evident. Over the last decade, several biomarkers have been found, which may correct the discrepancy between subjective patient scores and the need for endoscopy.