Progeri Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, is a progressive genetic disorder that causes children to age rapidly. Not only is it extremely rare, but there is no cure for this chronic condition. This hereditary disease affects the musculoskeletal system and the vasculature system (Mayo Clinic).
There are numerous signs and symptoms for this disorder. Within the first year of life, the child may be growing slowing. The motor development and intelligence will remain normal at this time though. The child may have a narrowed face, thin lips, a small jaw, beaked nose. The child with this disorder may have a rather larger head for their face. They will have incomplete closure of eyelids along with prominent eyes. They will have a lot of hair loss of their head, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Their voice may be high pitched, and the veins in their skin will be visible. Their skin may also be spotty or wrinkly and become tight on the trunk. A child with this disease will be slow in growing their teeth and have abnormal teeth formation. They may have a loss of fat under the skin.
There is no cure for this disease. A doctor may give the child prescribed drugs such as statins to lower their cholesterol or prevent blood clots. Growth hormones will help with height and weight. Aspirin is suggested every day to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Physical and occupational therapy will help with joint stiffness and hip problems. Helping both of these problems will keep the child active longer. Also, the child may want to get some of their primary teeth pulled to prevent overcrowding and help with teeth alignment (WebMD). An alternative treatment includes coronary bypass surgery or angioplasty. Coronary bypass surgery creates a new routes around blocked arteries so blood flow can deliver necessary nutrients and oxygen to the heart (Kulick). Angioplasty will widen arteries or veins to help with blood flow