Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome, is a rare, fatal genetic condition causing visible appearances of accelerated aging in children. This affects children and makes them look as if they have aged too quickly as well as other characteristics. But when was the first case of this rare disease discovered? And how did they overcome it? Doctors Jonathan Hutchinson (1828 – 1913) and Hastings Gilford (1861 – 1941) were the very first doctors to discover this disease in 1897. They described a patient as a six-year old boy whose overall appearance was that of an old man. The second patient whom they found later showed similar findings as well. These findings led Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson to publish his clinical discovery in 1886 with a series of photographs depicting the manifestations of progeria at the different ages. Then in 1897 Hastings Gilford later describes his findings. But how common is the disease?
HGPS, Progeria, is only reported prevalence of one in every four to eight million births and is prevalent in thirty-one countries However, according to a recent study, the numbers are leaning more towards every
Those with Progeria can also receive occupational and physical therapy to help them keep moving if their joints are particularly stiff. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs) are currently used for treating cancer. Scientists have found that these might reverse the nuclear structure abnormalities that are believed to cause progeria. Studies on mice with progeria-like signs suggest that FTIs may offer some improvements. In September 2012, results were released for a first clinical drug trial treatment for children with Progeria, using a farnesyltransferase inhibitor. The findings showed significant improvements in bone structure, weight gain, and the cardiovascular