THPO and anemia: Although the precise mechanism of thrombocytosis is uncertain, it has been hypothesized that an acute inflammatory response mediated by high thrombopoietin levels may cause thrombocytosis.34 Previous research found that anemia of inflammation induced by impaired erythropoiesis and reduced iron availability in critically sick individuals was an independent predictor of higher mortality.35,36 Lower hemoglobin levels may reflect that greater underlying inflammation with a more intense systemic vasculitis and more profound myocardial involvement.