Anemia Treatment in Patients with Symptomatic Heart Failure

In a randomized trial, darbepoetin alfa increased hemoglobin but did not improve clinical function measures.

Anemia is frequently encountered in patients with heart failure and is known to be an independent predictor of poor outcome. In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Study of Anemia and Heart Failure Trial (STAMINA-HeFT), funded and administered by the manufacturer of the study drug, investigators evaluated the effects of treating anemia in patients with heart failure. A total of 319 patients with symptomatic heart failure were randomized to placebo or darbepoetin alfa, an erythropoiesis-stimulating agent for 52 weeks. The two groups were similar with respect to demographic and baseline characteristics, including median hemoglobin concentrations. Heart failure had been present for a mean of 6 years.

The median hemoglobin level in …

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute