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Progeria is a condition that is very rare and happens to about 1 in every four to eight million new borns. It is believed that at any given point in time, about 200 to 250 children around the world will be living with Progeria. Children with Progeria, due to rapid ageing, tend to look like they have completely aged even at the age of 10 and also suffer from old-age-related medical conditions.
While there is no cure for the condition, proper medication and care can alleviate the symptoms of the condition and also delay the progression of the condition further.
What is Progeria?
Progeria, also known as the Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome, is a very rare genetic disorder that causes rapid premature ageing in new borns. The onset of HGPS is usually around 18 to 24 months. Children born with this progressive disorder will appear normal at birth and only start to show symptoms around 18 months. It isn’t inherited or passed down from the families.
Types of Progeria Syndrome
The most common type of Progeria is the Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome which presents in kids around the age of one to two years.
There is another type of Progeria Syndrome called the Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome, which presents in babies when there are still in the uterus.
Progeria that has a later onset age, somewhere during the teenage years, is called Werner Syndrome. People with this syndrome may live up to the age of 40 to 50 years.
There is also another kind of Progeria that occurs along with dwarfism or other abnormal growth features and is called Hallerman-Streiff-François syndrome.
Causes of Progeria
Progeria is caused due to a genetic mutation in the LMNA gene of the newborn. The LMNA gene is responsible for making proteins to support the structure of the nucleus. However, due to genetic mutation, the LMNA makes a protein called progerin, which breaks down cells easily and makes them unstable. This sets off rapid aging in children with HGPS.
Progeria Symptoms
Symptoms of Progeria are visible and easily identified. However, they do not appear at birth and only surface during the first or the second year of the baby. Some of the symptoms of Progeria are:
- Stunted growth or growth failure in the first year
- Loss of eyebrows and eyelashes
- Baldness or loss of hair
- Wrinkled face
- Visible blood vessels on the scalp and face
- Macrocephaly or a large head in comparison with the size of the face
- Thin skin which is visibly dry and scaly
- Small jaw and thin lips
- High pitched voice
- Prominent, protruding eyes and inability to close eyelids completely
- Stiff joints
- Loss of body fat and muscle
- Ears that stick out
Diagnosis
It is likely that the doctor will identify the disorder by looking at the child. However, a physical examination will be conducted and the vision and hearing are checked, along with measuring the pulse and the blood pressure of the child. The height and weight are also taken to compare with normal height and weight at that age.
If Progeria is suspected, a series of lab tests to confirm the condition are conducted, including tests to measure insulin resistance and cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Blood tests and genetic testing can also detect the mutation in the LMNA gene.
Complications
Complications of Progeria include diseases that usually accompany old age like
- Cardiovascular diseases and heart conditions (heart attack)
- Cerebrovascular problems like stroke
- Scleroderma, a condition where the connective tissue become tight and hard
- Loss of hearing to a certain extent
- Delayed tooth formation
- Extremely fragile bones and an abnormal skeletal structure
- Insulin resistance
- Hip dislocation
- Cataracts
- Acute arthritic episodes
- Osteoporosis
- Atherosclerosis
Progeria Treatment
While there are no Progeria cures or treatments available, children may receive treatments for their symptoms. These may include medications to lower blood cholesterol and prevent the formation of blood clots. A prescription of aspirin may be given for daily intake in low doses in order to prevent heart attacks and strokes.
Since growth failure is one of the major symptoms, growth hormones may also be administered to help build the height and weight of the child. If the child suffers from stiffness in the joints, then physical therapy may be suggested to facilitate movement. Also as heart disease is a potential complication, some children may undergo surgeries like coronary bypass or angioplasty to stunt the progression of the disease.
A type of cancer drug called farnesyl transferase inhibitors or FTI may have the potential to fix the damaged cells. Research is being conducted in this light to provide more feasible treatment options for kids with Progeria.
Home Remedies
Progeria is a genetic disorder and there are no effective home remedies to alleviate the condition or the symptoms of the condition. Here are some ways to relieve the symptoms:
- It is important to ensure that a kid with Progeria is adequately hydrated as they are very likely to get dehydrated quickly.
- Small meals at frequent intervals are the best to provide them with all the nutrition they need to develop.
- Provide them with soft, cushioned shoes or inserts to relieve any discomfort.
Outlook For People With Progeria
For kids living with Progeria disease, the life expectancy on an average is about 13 years. However, some may live much longer, up to 20 years. But, since Progeria comes without a cure and is accompanied by a number of medical conditions, it makes the disorder fatal. Many children who are affected with Progeria tend to succumb to heart diseases.
When Should You Call The Doctor?
The symptoms of Progeria disease are quite pronounced. If you happen to notice them in your child, consult a doctor to seek a professional opinion. The doctor, based on physical examination and lab tests, will be able to confirm your suspicion.
Progeria Syndrome is a disorder that has no cure currently. However, with proper care and treatments, the symptoms can be put off to a certain extent helping the kids live a considerably longer life. There are no risk factors for Progeria and it is not something that passes down genetically. If your child suffers from Progeria, the best way to go about his or her care is to ensure that all the treatments are administered on time and regular visits to the doctor are made to rule out any immediate complications.
