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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffProgeria is a progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly, beginning in their first two years of life. The condition is rare; since 1886, only about 130 cases of progeria have been documented in the scientific literature.
Children with progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), generally appear normal at birth. By 12 months, signs and symptoms, such as skin changes and hair loss, begin to appear. The average life expectancy for a child with progeria is 13, but some with the disease die younger and some live 20 years or longer.
Heart problems or stroke is the eventual cause of death in most children with progeria. There's no cure for this condition, but ongoing research shows some promise for treatment.
Symptoms- Learning about progeria. National Genome Research Institute. http://www.genome.gov/11007255. Accessed March 5, 2009.
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- Progeria (Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome). The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec19/ch286/ch286d.html. Accessed March 5, 2009.
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- Hutchison-Gilford progeria syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=hutchinsongilfordprogeriasyndrome. Accessed March 5, 2009.
- Anti-cancer drug prevents, reverses cardiovascular damage in mouse model of premature aging disorder. National Institutes of Health. http://www.nih.gov/news/health/oct2008/nhgri-06.htm. Accessed March 5, 2009.
- Martini R. Helping children cope with chronic illness. American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Accessed March 5, 2009.
