Progeria is a disorder of genetic origin that causes small children (1-2 years) to become aged rapidly. This disorder is also called Hutchinson Gilford progeria syndrome. The infant will appear to be normal during birth and even until one year. The symptoms like hair loss and slow growth rate will appear after that and such children will live only for short period. Mostly they die during young ages before 20 years but some live longer than that. Very often, stroke or severe heart problem will be the cause of death in such children.
Symptoms :
For many infants, the initial symptoms will begin even before the child completes his first year. Suddenly the weight and height of the child will decline rapidly. Motor development will be regular but physical changes will be prominent. The face will be narrow, with a broken nose and there will be loss of hair on the scalp and even on the eyelashes. The skin will not be soft like other children but it will become tight or hardened. This is more particular on the hands and feet.
The size of the head will not be compatible with that of the child’s face. He will have prominent eyes, thin lips and his veins will be visible. His joints will be very stiff but will have normal voice. His heartbeat will not be regular and most often the children will be insulin resistant.
Causes :
Progeria is caused by gene mutation of the lamin A gene. This gene is responsible for holding the cells together and this missing gene may cause the aging process rapidly in some children. This particular type of gene mutation is not found in either father or mother. Some syndromes of progeria run in families passed on to the offspring from the parent.
Complications :