Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome is commonly referred to as Progeria or HGPS. It is a genetic condition that occurs in 1 of every 4 to 8 million newborns and manifests itself physically in children as rapid aging. The most common type is known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Progeria?
Children with progeria do not begin showing symptoms until around 18-24 months; typically they are born looking healthy.
Symptoms include:
- Stiffness of joints
- Growth failure
- Aged-looking skin
- Loss of body fat and hair
- Hip dislocation
- Cardiovascular (heart) disease and stroke
- Generalized atherosclerosis
It is fatal and typically causes death by heart disease around the age of fourteen. However, lifespan can range widely, from 8-21 years.
Who is at risk?
Progeria does not occur because the mother or father has a genetic predisposition for the disorder. Instead, it is caused by a new mutation at the time of conception. This is the reason the rate of the condition is spread fairly equally between all genders and ethnicities. The odds of your child being born with it are approximately 1 in 4-8 million. Generally speaking, there is no way to pass this disorder along, since the mutation is spontaneous. However, having one progeria baby increases the risk of having another with the disorder by 2-3%.
The disorder is not regularly tested for, as it is extremely rare, and there is no genetic link — when tested it is done through amniocentesis. Other progeroid syndromes include Werner’s syndrome, also known as “adult Progeria” which does not have an onset until the late teen years, with a life span into the 40s and 50s, and mandibulofacial dysplasia. There are also other progeroid diseases that are so rare they do not have formal names. Some of these are found on the LMNA gene.
Are there treatments to help?
Once diagnosed, children can achieve a fair quality of life with the right care. Worthwhile treatment would address the major physical issues associated with the disorder. For more information, visit the Progeria Research Foundation online or by phone (978) 535-2594.
Compiled using information from the following sources:
The Progeria Research Foundation, https://www.progeriaresearch.org/
