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.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains an important global health concern. It is estimated that there are approximately 50 million people infected with HCV globally, with around 1 million new infections each year and about 242,000 deaths annually attributed to HCV-related complications. Most acute HCV infections (55–85%) become chronic due to the virus’s effective evasion strategies, with spontaneous clearance being rare once chronicity is established. This condition often progresses silently, with many individuals unaware of their infection until advanced liver damage has occurred. If left untreated, HCV can lead to severe complications, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV transmission occurs mainly through percutaneous exposure to infected blood. HCV can also spread from mother to infant (vertical transmission) and, less frequently, via sexual contact.1,2 In recent years, the introduction of oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), with remarkable safety and effectiveness profiles, has led to a sustained virological response (SVR) in virtually all (>97%) HCV-infected patients, regardless of HCV genotype or disease stage. However, significant barriers remain, such as issues with diagnosis, access to treatment and awareness of the disease.

Here, we discuss some of the misconceptions in HCV management and provide a practical management approach grounded in evidence and clinical experience.

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel condition that can present with a wide range of intestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations. This condition can develop at any age and have a significant impact and impairment on quality of life for individuals including on relationships, educational attainment and work productivity. In particular, the time around and after diagnosis often involves the most upheaval for patients, and equally the biggest opportunity for effective intervention. Several recent advances have had a major impact on optimal management of patients with newly diagnosed CD. Here, we discuss the mistakes that are commonly made when managing patients presenting with a new diagnosis of CD. We summarise the evidence base and offer helpful and pragmatic tips for practising clinicians.