What is the strongest evidence on erythropoietin-stimulating agent therapy in HF?
The strongest evidence on erythropoietin-stimulating agent therapy in HF suggests lack of benefit and increased adverse events. In the largest RCT to date (n=2278), correction of anemia with darbopoetin alfa did not result in benefit and resulted in a significant increase in the risk of thromboembolic events and a nonsignificant increase in fatal and nonfatal strokes, supporting findings from other trials. Therefore, erythropoietin-stimulating agent therapy cannot be recommended in patients with HF and anemia.