LATINO Study: A Study of Mircera for the Maintenance Treatment of Dialysis Patients With Chronic Renal Anemia.

A Single-Arm Open-Label Study to Assess the Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability of Once-Monthly Administration of Intravenous and/or Subcutaneous C.E.R.A for the Maintenance of Hemoglobin Levels in Dialysis Patients With Chronic Renal Anemia

This single arm study will assess the efficacy and safety of Mircera when administered once monthly, subcutaneously or intravenously, for the maintenance of hemoglobin levels in dialysis patients with chronic renal anemia. Patients currently receiving maintenance treatment with epoetin alfa will receive monthly injections of Mircera with a starting dose (120, 200 or 360 micrograms) derived from the dose of epoetin alfa they were receiving in the week preceding study start. The anticipated time on study treatment is 3-12 months, and the target sample size is 100-500 individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients, >=18 years of age;
• chronic renal anemia;
• hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, with same mode of dialysis for >=3 months before and throughout screening period;
• stable maintenance epoetin alfa therapy for past 2 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

• transfusion of red blood cells during previous 2 months;
• poorly controlled hypertension requiring interruption of epoetin alfa in past 6 months;
• acute or chronic bleeding during previous 2 months.