Progeria is an autosomal
dominant genetic disorder cause by a random mutation of a chromosome. The cause of this mutation is unknown. The name progeria
comes from a Greek word meaning "prematurely old".
There are 2 main progeroid sundromes,
Werner's Syndrome and Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome. Werner's Syndrome begins at the onset of puberty, whereas Hutchinson-Gilford
is evident in the 1st yeas of life. Another notable difference is the presence of cancer as a symptom in Werner's Syndrome.
The symptom of cancer is acsent in Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome.
Huchinson-Gilford Syndrome was 1st described in 1886. It is known
as the "progeria of childhood." Werner Syndrome is commonly known as "progeria of the adult" and was 1st described in 1904.
Both of these conditions are chatacterized by rapid aging. Affected
persons experiance all the changes of the aging process at about 7 times the rate of a normal person. Since there is no specific
tests for progeria, diagnosis is made based on symptoms.
Hutchinson-Gilford Syndrome begins in the first years of life
years of life with an average life span of 12 years. Since it's discorvery, 100 cases have been reported.Werner's Syndrome
begins at puberty and the average life span is 20-30 years.
