PROGERIA DISEASE

Progeria disease is an extremely rare autosomal dominant genetic disorder or condition that causes a child's body to age fast. It is one of several progeroid syndrome and it is a genetic condition that occurs as a new mutation, and is rarely inherited,as carriers usually do not live to reproduce children. Those who was born with these desease will typically live to their mid-teens to early twenties. Although the term progeria applies strictly speaking to all diseases characterized by premature aging symptoms, and is often used as such, it is often applied specifically in reference to Hutchinson–Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). The desease affects both sexes and all races equally. It affects about 1 in every 4 million births worldwide

Usually within the first year of life, growth of a child with progeria slows markedly, but motor development and intelligence remain normal.

Signs and symptoms of this progressive disorder include a distinctive apperance such as slowed growth, with below-average height and weight,

narrowed face, small lower jaw, thin lips and breaked nose, head disproportionately large for the face, prominent eyes and incomplete closure of the eyelids, hair loss, including eyelashes and eyebrows, thining, spotty, wrinkled skin, visible veins, high-pitched voice. Signs and symptoms also include health issues such as severe progressive heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease, hardening and tightening of skin on the trunk and extremities (similar to scleroderma), delayed and abnormal tooth formation, some hearing loss, loss of fat under the skin and loss of muscle mass, skeletal abnormalities and fragile bones, stiff joints, hip dislocation and insulin resistance. There are known factors, such as lifestyle or environmental issues, which increase the risk of having progeria or of giving birth to a child with progeria.

Progeria is extremely rare. For parents who have had one child with progeria, the chances of having a second child with progeria are about 2 to 3 percent. Children with progeria usually develop severe hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). This is a condition in which the walls of tge arteries- blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen from the heart to the rest of the body- stiffen and thicken, often restricting blood flow. Most children with progeria due of complications related to atherosclerosis including problems with blood vessels that supply the heart (cardiovascular problems), resulting in heart attack and congestive heart failure and problems with blood vessels that supply the brain (cerevascular problems), resulting in stroke. Other health problems frequently associated with aging- such as arthritis, cataracts and increased cancer risk- typically do not develop as parr of the course of progeria. The children have a remarkably similar appearance despite differing ethnic backrounds. Childern with Progeria die of hearr failure at an average age of fourteen years.

At this time, there's no cure for progeria, but researchers are working on finding one. A kind

of cancer drug, FTIs (farnesyltransferase inhibitors), may fix the damaged cells. Treatment usually help ease or delay some of tge disease's symptoms. Since the symptomes are very noticeable, it's likely that your child's pediatrician will spot them during a routine check up. Child's doctor may prescibe drugs to lower cholesteros or prevent blood clots. A low dose of aspirin everyday can help prevent heart attack and stroke. Growth hormone can help build height and weight. Some children may have coronary bypass surgery or angioplasty to slow the progression of heart disease. Kids with progeria are mode likely to get dehydrated,so they need to drink plenty of water, especially when they're sick or it's hor. Small meals more often can help them eat enough, too. Cushioned shoes or inserts can ease discomfort and encourage your child to play and stay active. Pregnant women should be aware for their baby's health in order for the baby to stay normal until birth and to prevent any mutation that may be happen.

Group 6
J. Fariñas
J. Talla
A. Udarbe
M. Tamayo
R. Foronda