Progeria overview

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Vamsikrishna Gunnam M.B.B.S [2]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Historical Perspective[edit | edit source]

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome or progeria was first discovered by DeBusk and the name was given by Hastings Gilford. Dyck et al reported a patient who had progeria and underwent coronary artery bypass surgery and percutaneous transluminal angioplasty.De Paula Rodrigues et al described the involvement of bones and joints in progeria patients. The word progeria is of greek origin which means prematurely old.

Classification[edit | edit source]

Progeria may be classified according to genotype into two groups: Classic progeria and atypical progeria.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

It is thought that Hutchinson-Gilford progeria is due to mutation in LMNA gene.

Causes[edit | edit source]

The most common cause of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is mutation in LMNA gene.

Differentiating progeria from Other Diseases[edit | edit source]

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) must be differentiated from other diseases such as Atypical progeria syndromes, Restrictive dermopathy, Familial partial lipodystrophy (FPLD), Wiedemann-Rautenstrauch syndrome, Congenital generalized lipodystrophy, Cockayne syndrome, Mandibuloacral dysplasia and Petty-Laxova-Wiedemann progeroid syndrome.

Epidemiology and Demographics[edit | edit source]

Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is an extremely rare hereditary disease. The incidence of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is very rare. The usual age of diagnosis for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome(HGPS) ia around two to three years of age. Approximately 100 cases of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) have been reported in the literature till now worldwide.

Risk Factors[edit | edit source]

The most potent risk factor in the development of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome is mutation in LMNA gene.

Screening[edit | edit source]

There is insufficient evidence to recommend routine screening for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) usually develop in the first decade of life, complications of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) include progressive atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction. Prognosis is generally poor, in patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnostic Study of Choice[edit | edit source]

There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

History and Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The majority of patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) are growth issues, cardiac issues, ophthalmologic problems, hearing problems, failure to thrive, poor weight gain and prominent scalp veins.

Physical Examination[edit | edit source]

Common physical examination findings of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) include skin changes, hair changes, eye problems and musculoskeletal abnormalities.

Laboratory Findings[edit | edit source]

Some patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) may have elevated platelet counts, serum phosphorus levels and decreased leptin levels and bone density.

Electrocardiogram[edit | edit source]

There are no ECG findings associated with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

X-ray[edit | edit source]

An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) and findings are acroosteolysis and clavicular resorption.

Echocardiography and Ultrasound[edit | edit source]

There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

CT scan[edit | edit source]

CT scan findings associated with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) include calcification and stenosis of internal carotid artery.

MRI[edit | edit source]

Head MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of craniofacial abnormalities in patients with Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria syndrome(HGPS).

Other Imaging Findings[edit | edit source]

There are no other imaging findings associated with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

Other Diagnostic Studies[edit | edit source]

There are no other diagnostic studies associated with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Medical Therapy[edit | edit source]

There is no treatment for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS); the mainstay of therapy is supportive care. But the good news is that there are new investigational therapies for Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) patients which include lonafarnib and everolimus.

Surgery[edit | edit source]

Surgery is not the first-line treatment option for patients with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS). Surgery is usually reserved for patients with hip dislocation.

Primary Prevention[edit | edit source]

There are no established measures for the primary prevention of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS).

Secondary Prevention[edit | edit source]

Effective measures for the secondary prevention of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) include nutritional assessment, assessment of the cardiac and neurologicstatus of the patient, musculoskeletal issues assessment, dental evaluation, ophthalmology evaluation, and audiology evaluation.

References[edit | edit source]

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