Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents increase the risk of acute stroke in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) are effective in ameliorating anemia in chronic kidney disease (CKD). A recent trial in diabetic patients with CKD, however, suggested a greater risk of stroke associated with full correction of anemia with ESAs. Using national Veterans Affairs data we performed a case–control study examining the association of incident ESA use with acute stroke in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate 3 /min per 1.73m 2 and outpatient hemoglobin