Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common chronic viral infection in the world. Despite the availability of a preventative vaccine, more than 250 million people worldwide are chronically infected with HBV. The complications of chronic HBV infection—cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer (HCC)—account for more than 850,000 deaths per year. HBV is transmitted haematogenously and sexually, with the majority of HBV infections being transmitted vertically (or perinatally) in high prevalence regions. HBV infection acquired at birth or in early childhood results in chronicity in >95% of cases, whereas only 5–10% of those who are infected in adulthood will progress to chronic infection. 

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a lifelong inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) of unknown origin characterized by alternating flare and remission periods. An acute severe episode, so-called acute severe UC (ASUC), may happen in approximately one-quarter of patients during their life.1 Notably, more than 25% of ASUC episodes correspond to the index presentation of the disease. Patients with ASUC should be promptly identified by the modified Truelove and Witts criteria recommended by the most recent international guidelines and admitted rapidly to a digestive unit. Indeed, ASUC is a life-threatening condition still leading to a 1% death rate in Western countries. In the current article, we will discuss the most frequent and/or relevant mistakes in managing patients admitted for an ASUC episode and how to avoid them. The manuscript is based on the available evidence and expert opinion when evidence is lacking.

Jaundice can be caused by abnormalities in any of the steps comprising the formation, metabolism and excretion of bilirubin. In addition, these processes may be functioning properly, but jaundice can be seen because of an obstruction of the biliary tree at any point, from its intrahepatic origins to its end at the ampulla of Vater. For this reason, it is clear that numerous conditions can result in jaundice. When faced with a patient presenting with jaundice a reasonable and careful diagnostic approach is, therefore, warranted to elucidate the underlying cause of this sign. Conventional wisdom may be that “jaundice by itself never killed anyone,” but it is imperative to find the cause as soon as possible, as prompt intervention saves lives in many cases.

The relationship between nutrition and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been an area of substantial interest and research for many decades now. Evidence-based nutritional strategies are being utilised as a key part of the therapeutic armamentarium in Crohn’s disease for both induction and maintenance, as primary and adjuvant treatment methods. Exclusive enteral nutrition, for instance, is well established in the treatment of paediatric IBD and adult centres are increasingly incorporating it into treatment models as an effective, drug-free alternative.  The role for partial enteral nutrition and Crohn’s disease specific diets are also being more clearly elucidated. Used appropriately, and through engagement with dietetic support services, nutritional therapies can not only achieve the IBD treatment ‘targets’ but serve to optimise other vital aspects of care, such as growth, bone health, body composition and overall patient well-being. Here we discuss some of the mistakes that are frequently made in the area of nutritional management of IBD. The discussion is evidence based, with key references incorporated for further analysis beyond the scope of this article, and combines several decades of leading clinical and research experience in the area of nutrition and IBD from the authors. 

The complexity of managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) stems from the heterogeneity of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. This leads to differences in disease course, complications, and treatment responses among patients. Current treatment strategies rely on a trial-and-error approach, but there's a need for personalized therapy. Efforts have been made to develop reliable prognostic and predictive biomarkers to overcome disease heterogeneity. This article discusses common mistakes in biomarker development, interpretation, and application in IBD, emphasizing evidence-based insights and lessons learned from other fields.