Multivariate regression analyses showed serum CXCL1 levels had excellent performance [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.017 (1.009–1.025), P < 0.001], implying that serum CXCL1 along with age [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 1.041 (1.004–1.081), P = 0.31], INR [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 5.212 (2.378–11.424), P < 0.001] and HE [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 2.760 (1.228–6.204), P = 0.014; Table 3] might be independent risk factors for HBV-ACLF. Here, CXCL1 is linked to hereditary elliptocytosis.