Description Progressive Progeria is a genetic disorder that causes children old before their time.Rare condition; since 1886, only about 130 cases of progeria have been documented in scientific literature. Children with progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS), generally appear normal at birth. At 12 months after birth, the signs and symptoms, such as skin changes and hair loss, begin to emerge.The average life expectancy for a child with progeria is 13 years old, but some with the disease die young and some live 20 years or more. Heart problems or stroke is the leading cause of death of children with progeria.Symptom Usually in the first year of life, children with progeria abnormal growth so that height and weight fell below the average for his age and low weight. But the development of motor and mental development remains normal. Signs and symptoms of this progressive disorder include:* Growth is slow, below average height and normal weight* Beaked face and narrow nose which makes children look old* Hair loss (alopecia), including eyelashes and eyebrows* Hardening and tightening of skin on the trunk and extremities (scleroderma)* The skin looks old* The head is too big for the face* Eyes stand out* A small lower jaw (micrognathia)* High pitched voice* The formation of abnormal tooth* Loss of body fat and muscle* Joint stiffnessTreatment There is no cure for progeria. Regular monitoring of cardiovascular disease can help to manage the child’s condition. Some children undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery or heart blood vessel dilation (angioplasty) to slow the progression of cardiovascular disease.
