In the same data pool the variables correlating significantly in a multiple linear regression with the epoetin dose (after intra- or extrapolation for a haemoglobin of 11.5 g/dL) were weight (standardized coefficient beta (β): -1.673; p < 0.001), ferritin (β: 0.079; P < 0.001), age (β: -0.800; P < 0.05), epoetin administration route (subcutaneous vs. intravenous) (β: -22.730; P < 0.05) and presence or absence of a cardiomyopathy (β: 33.050; P < 0.01). Here, EPO is linked to cardiomyopathy.