Definition

Progeria syndrome is an extremely rare genetic disorder of unknown origin that manifests as premature aging in children. Progeria affects many parts of the body including the skin, bones, and arteries.

Description

Dr. Jonathan Hutchinson in 1886 and Dr. Hastings Gilford in 1904 first described this syndrome. The word progeria is coined from the Greek word geras, which means old age. Progeria syndrome is also known as Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, HGPS or Gilford syndrome.

Most patients appear normal at birth. Signs and symptoms usually begin to develop within the first one to two years of life. Changes in skin and failure to thrive (failure to gain weight) are usually evident first, the exception being four reported cases of possible neonatal progeria. All four...