In Fig. 3A, the random-effects model analysis revealed no significant difference in ∆Hb between patients with baseline CRP ≥ ULN and CRP < ULN, both within the DD-CKD group and the NDD-CKD group (DD-CKD group: MD: -0.13, 95%CI: -0.46–0.21, P = 0.46; NDD-CKD group: MD: 0.30, 95%CI: -0.11–0.71, P = 0.16). Here, CRP is linked to chronic kidney disease.