At what blood pressure level should MIRCERA (methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta) be held in a patient with chronic kidney disease and anemia?

Blood Pressure Level to Hold MIRCERA

Hold MIRCERA when systolic blood pressure is ≥160 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure is ≥100 mmHg, or when hypertension becomes difficult to control despite appropriate antihypertensive measures.

Rationale for Holding MIRCERA

Hypertension as a Known Adverse Effect

• Hypertension is one of the most commonly reported adverse effects of methoxy polyethylene glycol-epoetin beta (MIRCERA), occurring alongside nasopharyngitis and diarrhea 1, 2.
• While hypertension is not an absolute contraindication to erythropoiesis-stimulating agent (ESA) therapy, if hypertension arises or worsens during anemia treatment, it should be treated appropriately with antihypertensive measures 3.

Specific Blood Pressure Thresholds

For patients with CKD and hypertension on MIRCERA:

• Hold MIRCERA if blood pressure exceeds 160/100 mmHg, as this represents stage 2 hypertension requiring prompt intervention 3.
• If blood pressure is between 140-159/90-99 mmHg, intensify antihypertensive therapy first before holding MIRCERA 3.
• The target blood pressure for CKD patients should be <130/80 mmHg according to ACC/AHA guidelines 3, 4.

Management Algorithm

When blood pressure rises during MIRCERA therapy:

1. BP 130-139/80-89 mmHg: Continue MIRCERA, optimize antihypertensive medications 3, 4.

2. BP 140-159/90-99 mmHg:

   • Add or uptitrate antihypertensive medications (ACE inhibitors or ARBs preferred in CKD) 3.
   • Consider reducing MIRCERA dose by 25% 3.
   • Monitor blood pressure weekly 3.

3. BP ≥160/100 mmHg:

   • Hold MIRCERA temporarily 3.
   • Initiate or intensify antihypertensive therapy with multiple agents if needed 3.
   • Do not restart MIRCERA until blood pressure is controlled to <140/90 mmHg 3.

Rate of Hemoglobin Rise Consideration

• If hemoglobin rises faster than 1 g/dL in any 2-week period, reduce or hold MIRCERA dose regardless of blood pressure, as rapid hemoglobin increases can exacerbate hypertension 3.
• The target rate of hemoglobin increase should be 1.0 to 2.0 g/dL per month 3.

Target Hemoglobin Range

• The selected hemoglobin target should generally be in the range of 11.0 to 12.0 g/dL 3.
• Avoid achieved hemoglobin >12 g/dL, as this increases cardiovascular risk and may worsen hypertension 3.

Critical Pitfalls to Avoid

• Never continue MIRCERA at the same dose when blood pressure exceeds 160/100 mmHg, as this increases cardiovascular risk in an already high-risk CKD population 3, 4.
• Do not aggressively lower blood pressure below 120/70 mmHg in CKD stage 5 patients, as they were excluded from trials supporting intensive targets and face increased risks of hypoperfusion 5, 6.
• Monitor blood pressure at every visit during ESA therapy, as hypertension can develop or worsen insidiously 3.

Monitoring Requirements After Holding MIRCERA

• Check blood pressure twice weekly until controlled to <140/90 mmHg 3.
• Monitor hemoglobin weekly after holding MIRCERA to assess need for reinitiation 3.
• Check serum creatinine and potassium within 2-4 weeks if ACE inhibitors or ARBs are initiated or uptitrated 4.
• Once blood pressure is controlled, restart MIRCERA at 25-50% lower dose than previously used 3.