When and how should we use biomarkers (i.e., CRP, stool calprotectin, mAb levels) to guide or optimize medical management of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?

The principal clinical applications of biomarkers in IBD are as follows:

1. Assessment of severity and prognosis during a flareup.
2. Monitoring the efficacy of treatment.
3. Determining the probability of postoperative recurrence of Crohn’s disease (i.e., the high negative predictive value of FPC for anasto...