PROGERIA FACTS

 Images of children with Progeria are arresting. They show images of young kids who resembles people in the advanced stages of age , complete with bald heads and wrinkled skins .But what is Progeria? 

Progeria is also known as Hutchinson - Gilford Progeria syndrome (HGPS). Its a rare genetic condition that result in a child's body aging rapidly. A mutation in the LMNA gene causes progeria. This diseases affects all sexes and races and about 1 in every 4 million kids are born with it and most kids don't live past the age of 13yrs . Progeria was first described in the year 1886.

PROGERIA SYMPTOMS

Their are usually no symptoms when a baby is born ,but they usually start to show during their first years .They develop physical traits like:

1,Slow height and weight growth

2, large eyes ,which they can't close all the way

3,A thin nose with a 'beaked' tip that stick out

4,Veins you can see

5,Slow and abnormal tooth growth 

6 ,Loss of body fats and muscle

PROGERIA CAUSES

A mutation in the lamin A ( LMNA) gene causes progeria. The gene makes a protein that holds together the centre of a cell. But can progeria be inherited? No because progeria is a genetic condition ,actually the gene mutation involved in progeria happen spontaneously . Parents who have never had a kid with the disorder have a one in 20 million chances of having a child with the syndrome. However, parents who already have one child with progeria have a 2 to 3% chances of having another . Essentially , the parent might have the genetic mutation for progeria in their cells .

PROGERIA DIAGNOSIS

Symptoms are noticeable its likely for a pediatrician to spot them during a routine check up. But if you see any changes with your kid make an appointment for a physical exam and blood tests.

TREATMENT

Their is no cure for Progeria ,though their are clinical trials to help slow down the disease. But your doctor may suggest drugs like aspirin to prevent heart attacks and change of diet with low cholesterol. Physical and occupation therapy can also help your child move even if they have stiff joints. Have a coronary bypass surgery to slow down heart attacks.

SOURCES

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17850-progeria