EPO and deep vein thrombosis: However, in 2015, a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial undertaken in 29 centers in seven countries did not show a beneficial effect of the EPO treatment [130], but in 2020, Katiyar et al. published a meta-analysis including research studies through December 2019 showing that EPO could reduce 6-month mortality (though not in-hospital mortality), neurological outcome, and risk of deep vein thrombosis [131].