Clinical studies of EPO administration including efforts to increase hematocrit to the normal range as well as treatment of non-anemic conditions such as stroke or cardiovascular disease, revealed adverse consequences with EPO therapy and suggest caution and consideration be given to optimum dose and route of EPO administration, the timing of EPO treatment relative to onset and extent of injury, and potential confounding factors of other treatment protocols. The gene discussed is EPO; the disease is Stroke.