• Change in mean Hb conc. [ Time Frame: Between reference and EEP ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• % patients maintaining Hb within target range [ Time Frame: Weeks 16-24 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• % patients requiring dose adjustments; incidence of RBC transfusions [ Time Frame: Weeks 0-24 ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• AEs, lab parameters [ Time Frame: Throughout study ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

This single arm study will assess the efficacy, safety and tolerability of once-monthly administration of intravenous Mircera for the maintenance of hemoglobin levels in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal anemia. Patients will receive 4-weekly intravenous injections of Mircera, at a starting dose of 120, 200 or 360 micrograms. 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;
• continuous stable iv or sc maintenance epoetin therapy during previous 4 weeks;
• regular long-term hemodialysis therapy with the same mode of dialysis for previous 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

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