Melanie Amento
Professor Post
SC-108-1
April 29, 2013
Progeria
Progeria, also known as Hutchinson Gilford Progeria Syndrome, and Progeria syndrome, is an extremely rare genetic disease wherein symptoms resembling aspects of aging are manifested at a very early age. The Progeria come from the Greek words “pro” meaning “before” and “gēras” meaning “old age”. The disorder has a very low incident rate, occurring in an estimated 1 per 8 million live births. Those born with Progeria typically live to their mid teens and early twenties. It is a genetic condition that occurs as a new mutation, and is rarely inherited. Although the term Progeria applies strictly to all diseases characterized by premature aging symptoms, and is often used as …show more content…

There's no cure for Progeria. Regular monitoring for cardiovascular disease may help with managing your child's condition. Some children undergo coronary artery bypass surgery or dilation of cardiac arteries (angioplasty) to slow the progression of cardiovascular disease. Certain therapies may ease or delay some of the signs and symptoms. They include: low-dose aspirin, a daily dose may help prevent heart attacks and stroke. Other medications, depending on your child's condition, your doctor may prescribe other medications, such as statins to lower cholesterol or anticoagulants to help prevent blood clots. The use of growth hormone may help increase height and weight. Physical and occupational therapy, these may help with joint stiffness and hip problems and may allow your child to remain active. Also, extraction of primary teeth, your child's permanent teeth may start coming in before his or her baby teeth fall out. Extraction may help prevent problems associated with the delayed loss of baby teeth, including overcrowding and developing a second row of teeth when permanent teeth come in. Farnesyltransferase inhibitors (FTIs), currently used for treating cancer, might reverse the nuclear structure abnormalities that are believed to cause Progeria. Studies carried out on mice with Progeria like signs and symptoms showed that FTIs appeared to offer some improvements. Of the 13 mice treated with FTI, only one died during the 20 week UCLS study. Dr.