Reticulocyte percent, erythropoietin, ferritin, and hs-CRP are the key variables that predict hepcidin concentration in adult patients with SCD, with reticulocyte percent representing the primary predictor. Higher reticulocyte percent (>4.5%) and erythropoietin (>40 and >80 mIU/ml) predicts lower median hepcidin concentrations, and higher ferritin (>1000 ng/ml) and hs-CRP (>10 mg/L) predicts higher hepcidin median concentrations in this population.
* The lowest median hepcidin concentrations were best predicted by a reticulocyte percent >4.5% and a ferritin <1000 ng/ml (N=8).
** The highest median hepcidin concentrations were best predicted by a reticulocyte percent <4.5% and EPO < 40 mIU/ml (N=5).