Progeria

Progeria, also known as Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a very rare genetic disorder. It is characterised by rapid ageing and becmes apparent within the first two of years of life. It is uncommon for children with progeria to live beond the age of 13. The condition is caused by a mutation in the LMNA gene, this gene encodes proteins required for the maintenance of the cell structure.

There are distinct physical characteristics associated with progeria:

• alopecia (hair loss)
• joint stiffness
• lack of adipose tissue
• increased risk of heart disease, angina, stroke
• stunted growth