REVEAL: Reduction of Infarct Expansion and Ventricular Remodeling With Erythropoietin After Large Myocardial Infarction

* INCLUSION CRITERIA: Age greater than 21 years Acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction Referral for primary or rescue angioplasty Revascularization procedure within 8 hours from the onset of ischemic symptoms TIMI (Thrombolysis in myocardial infarction) flow grade 0 or 1 in the culprit coronary artery at the beginning of coronary angiography Successful revascularization of infarct-related artery EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Clinical indication for erythropoietin STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction) due to occlusion of a branch vessel Any history of prior MI, PCI (Percutaneous coronary intervention), CABG (Coronary artery bypass graft), cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, or CHF (congestive heart failure) Hypersensitivity to human albumin, mammalian cell-derived products, or erythropoietin Hematocrit greater than 42% in men or greater than 40% in women at the time of study drug administration Uncontrolled hypertension at the time of study drug administration Cardiogenic shock Need for coronary surgical revascularization as determined at the time of the index coronary catheterization History of hypercoagulable disorder, thromboembolic event, or venous thrombosis History of stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) History of seizures Contraindication to MRI Pregnancy or nursing mother