Document Classification

Section Type: METHODS

Text: In this open-label randomized 12-month trial (the Mechanisms of Erythropoietin Action in the Cardiorenal Syndrome [EPOCARES]), patients with the combination of chronic heart failure and chronic kidney disease (glomerular filtration rate 20-70 ml/min) and mild anemia (hemoglobin 10. 3-12. 6 g/dL in men, and 10. 3-11. 9 g/dL in women) are being randomized into 3 groups : 1 group (n = 25) receives a fixed dose of 50 IU/kg per week EPO to increase hemoglobin level to a maximum of 13. 7 g/dL for men and 13. 4 g/dL for women ; another group (n = 25) is treated with 50 IU/kg per week EPO maintaining baseline hemoglobin levels for the first 6 months by phlebotomy.