Methods: Blinded , multicenter trial, ELBW infants were randomized on day 3 to one of 3 groups: early EPO group (rhEPO from the first week for 9 weeks , n= 74), late rhEPO group (rhWEPO from the fourth week for 6 weeks, n=74), or control group (no rhEPO, n= 71). All infants received enteral iron (3-9 mg/kg/day) from the first week. The rhEPO ß dose was 750 IU/kg/week. Success was defined as no transfusion and hematocrit levels never below 30%.