RCT which examined the treatment of anemia in patients with CKD (not on dialysis) with EPO. Here, patients were randomized to normal hemoglobin (13-15 g/dL) and compared with hemoglobin levels in the range of 10.5-11.5 g/dL over a three-year study period. Overall the group with higher hemoglobin levels showed improved general health and physical function, however they showed increased headaches and hypertensive episodes.
Findings were consistent with CHOIR, revealing an association between normal hemoglobin levels and adverse outcomes such as increased cardiovascular events, dialysis initiation, hypertensive episodes, and thrombotic events.