Progeria

Alternative names:

Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome

Definition:

A disease of children that produces rapid aging.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The exact cause of progeria is unknown, although a hereditary component may be involved. Progeria is a rare condition but has come into public awareness because of its startling symptoms and the appearance of several affected children in movies on national television.

Progeria results in rapid aging of children, beginning with growth failure during the first year of life. The children are small and thin with disproportionately large appearing heads, baldness, wizened narrow faces, and old-appearing skin.

Children with progeria develop early atherosclerosis. The average lifespan is the early teens, although several have lived longer. The cause of death is usually related to the heart or a stroke as a result of the progressive atherosclerosis.