In our analysis, we further adjusted for advanced CKD status represented by erythropoietin use, and we found that the AKI group requiring dialysis was still at a higher risk for developing severe sepsis (HR: 1.95 (95% CI: 1.67 to 2.28); P < 0.001), suggesting that patients with AKI are still at risk of developing severe sepsis after removal of the uremia effect. Here, EPO is linked to acute kidney injury.