Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome, is a rare genetic disease characterized by accelerated aging, about seven times the normal rate, so a 10-year-old, for example, appears to be 70 years old.
The child with the syndrome was born with normal appearance, barely smaller for his gestational age, but as he develops, usually after the first year of life, signs of premature aging appear, that is, progeria, such as hair loss, subcutaneous fat loss.cardiovascular changes. Because it is a disease that causes rapid aging of the body, children with progeria have an average life expectancy of 14 years for girls and 16 years for boys.
- Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome is incurable.
- But as signs of aging appear.
- The pediatrician may recommend treatments that help improve a child’s quality of life.
Initially, progeria has no specific signs or symptoms, however, from the first year of life, certain changes suggest that the syndrome may be noticed and need to be studied by pediatricians through exams, so the main characteristics of premature aging are:
Despite these characteristics, the child with progeria has a normal immune system and there is no brain involvement, so the cognitive development of the child is preserved.In addition, although there is no development of sexual maturation due to hormonal changes, the other hormones involved in metabolism are working properly.
There is no specific form of treatment for this disease and therefore the doctor suggests certain treatments depending on the characteristics presented, among the most commonly used forms of treatment are:
In addition to this, your doctor may also prescribe other medications, such as cholesterol-lowering statins, or growth hormones, if your child is too insufficient, for example.
The child with progeria should be followed by several health professionals, as this disease ends up affecting several systems, so when the child begins to develop joint and muscle pain it should be seen by an orthopedist to recommend the right medication and give advice on how to preserve the joints, avoiding aggravation of arthritis and osteoarthritis.The cardiologist should accompany the child as soon as he or she is diagnosed, as most carriers of the disease die as a result of heart complications.
All children with progeria should follow a nutritionist-guided diet to avoid osteoporosis as much as possible and improve their metabolism.Physical or sports activity is also recommended at least twice a week, as it improves blood circulation, strengthens muscles, distracts the mind and therefore.the quality of life of the family.
Being advised by a psychologist can also be helpful for the child to understand his or her illness and in case of depression, as well as being important to the family.