Adjusted risk factors included higher age (> 85 years compared to the age 15–65 years, aOR 6.49, 95% CI 1.27–33.20, p = 0.025), markedly elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (> 2 × upper limit of normal (ULN) compared to the reference range, aOR 23.21, 95% CI 3.66–147.11, p < 0.001), thrombocytopenia (< 120,000/μl, aOR 11.66, 95% CI 2.49–54.70, p = 0.002), anemia (Hb < 10 g/dl, aOR 3.21, 95% CI 1.17–8.82, p = 0.024) and strongly elevated c-reactive protein (CRP) (≥ 30 mg/l, aOR 3.44, 95% CI 1.13–10.45, p = 0.029). The gene discussed is CRP; the disease is anemia.