Double-blind period: epoetin alfa (100 units per kilogram [U/kg] of body weight) or placebo, injected intravenously three times a week for 12 weeks. Open-label period: epoetin alfa injected under the skin for up to 6 months, with dose adjustments in the range of 0 to 1,500 U/kg as needed to maintain hematocrit levels of 38% to 40%.