Progeria- The rapid aging
Progeria Introduction Progeria is a rare genetic condition that causes a child's body to age fast. It is an extremely rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder in which symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at a very early age. The word progeria comes from two greek words, Pro & Geras. Pro means before or premature and geras means old age. Also known as Hutchinson- Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). It is first described in 1866 by Jonathan Hutchinson. It was also described independently in 1897 by Hastings Gilford that's why later it named as HGPS. Incidence rate Affects in 1 in every 4 million birth worldwide. Facts about progeria The disease can lead to fatal heart complications and heightened risk of stroke. Progeria is incurable but symptoms can be managed. A drug called lonafarnib can extend the average 14 year life expectancy by 1.6 years. Causes HGPS is caused by a mutation in the gene called LMNA (Lam...
