EPO and anemia: Anemia impairs oxygen delivery, causing hypoxia and organ dysfunction, while inflammation disrupts iron metabolism and erythropoietin secretion, further reducing hemoglobin concentration.[30] Elevated RDW indicates immature red blood cells from cytokine-mediated suppression of erythropoiesis, creating a cycle of anemia and inflammation that worsens systemic damage.[3] These interrelated processes create a vicious cycle: inflammation drives anemia and dysregulated erythropoiesis, which in turn perpetuates systemic inflammation and organ injury.