EPO and anemia: Decreased erythropoietin levels also curtail red blood cell production by the bone marrow.9,10 Patients with cirrhosis are at risk of developing both IDA and anemia of chronic disease concomitantly, and the adverse effects on health-related quality of life in these patients are evident.10 Because it is easier to correct IDA than anemia of chronic disease, the diagnosis and treatment of IDA can reduce the need for other diagnostic tests and improve the quality of life in patients with cirrhosis.