BACKGROUND: Gaucher's disease is caused by deficient lysosomal 
glucocerebrosidase activity. Intravenous enzyme replacement therapy with 
imiglucerase (Cerezyme, Genzyme Corporation, Cambridge, MA), a recombinant human 
glucocerebrosidase, ameliorates systemic manifestations such as 
hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, thrombocytopenia and skeletal abnormalities in 
patients with type 1 (non-neuronopathic) and type 3 (chronic neuronopathic) 
Gaucher's disease.
OBJECTIVE/METHODS: The aim of this study was to identify and comment on the 
current issues related to imiglucerase for Gaucher's disease based on a review 
of published English language literature and personal clinical experience.
RESULTS: The following topics were covered with respect to imiglucerase: 
development, pharmacokinetics, preparation and administration, efficacy, 
pediatrics, pregnancy, type 3 Gaucher's disease, dosing, treatment 
interruptions, safety and alternative pharmacological therapies.
CONCLUSION: Imiglucerase is safe and well tolerated. In addition, it corrects 
the hepatic, splenic, hematologic and bone abnormalities observed with types 1 
and 3 Gaucher's disease effectively and enhances health-related quality of life.