EPO blood pressure mystery: small study halted early

NCT ID NCT03810911

Terminated Knowledge-focused Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looked at why erythropoietin (EPO), a drug used to treat anemia, can raise blood pressure in people with chronic kidney disease. Researchers planned to enroll 160 participants but stopped early with only 27. The goal was to measure changes in blood pressure and blood vessel function over 12 weeks. Because it was terminated, the findings are limited.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Darbepoetin (EPO)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help doctors understand why EPO raises blood pressure, potentially leading to safer anemia treatments for kidney disease patients.
What could go wrong: The study was terminated early with only 27 out of 160 planned participants, so results are limited and may not be reliable. It was a small, early-phase study focused on understanding mechanisms, not testing a new treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anemia chronic kidney disease chronic renal failure syndrome hypertensive disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANEMIA BLOOD PRESSURE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202-2884, United States

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