Document Classification

Section Type: METHODS

Text: Patients (n = 127) were randomized to receive study drug for 12 weeks : either rHuEPO 40, 000 U with escalations to 60, 000 U for nonresponders or darbepoetin alpha at doses of 4. 5 microg/kg per week until hemoglobin concentration > or = 12 g/dL, then 1. 5 microg/kg per week (Group 1) ; 4. 5 microg/kg per week for 4 weeks, then 2. 25 microg/kg per week for 8 weeks (Group 2) ; or 4. 5 microg/kg per week for 4 weeks, then 3. 0 microg/kg every 2 weeks (Group 3).