Clinical interpretation of serum hepcidin-25 in inflammation and renal dysfunction

•log[hepcidin]:log[ferritin] ratio may serve as a biomarker for iron deficiency in complex cases.•Hepcidin testing is not warranted in patients with CRP > 10 mg/l and/or eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2.•Inflammation is not a determinant of serum hepcidin-25 in the setting of renal dysfunction.•eGFR is not a major determinant of serum hepcidin-25 concentration in patient with eGFR ≥ 30 ml/min/1.73 m2.