EPO and hydrops fetalis: The two cytokines (tumor necrosis Factor alpha (TNF α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) that are elevated in both CKD and HF due to the inflammatory status can determine several hematological disorders: reduced production of erythropoietin (EPO) in the kidneys, a reduced response of the bone marrow to EPO, decreased iron absorption from the gut, and a hepcidin-induced sequestration of iron in the macrophages.