The primary factor associated with high early mortality was identified as the advanced immunodeficiency of those starting ART, including low baseline CD4 cell counts (particularly <50 cells/mm3), high prevalence of co-infections and more advanced clinical stage (III and IV) as well as malnutrition (defined by BMI of < 18) and anemia (hemoglobin < 10 g/dl) [67–69]. Here, CD4 is linked to anemia.