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The progeria disease is a rare disease that causes deformity in children. These children appears normal at birth times but start changing as they grow. There is no cure for it yet, but if detected early, can it be treated?
There’s no cure for progeria, but researchers are working on finding one. One clinical trial is looking at a kind of cancer drug, FTIs (farnesyltransferase inhibitors), to see if it can help slow the disease.
Treatments can help ease or delay some of the disease’s symptoms.Your child’s doctor may suggest drugs and changes to your child’s diet to lower cholesterol or prevent blood clots. A low dose of aspirin every day can help prevent heart attacks and stroke. Growth hormone can help build height and weight.
Physical and occupational therapy can help your child keep moving if they have stiff joints or hip problems.
Surgery. Some children may have coronary bypass surgery or angioplasty to slow the progression of heart disease.
At home. Kids with progeria are more likely to get dehydrated, so they need to drink plenty of water, especially when they’re sick or it’s hot. Small meals more often can help them eat enough, too. Cushioned shoes or inserts can ease discomfort and encourage your child to play and stay active.
Sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Reapply it every 2 hours, or more if your child is sweating or swimming.
There is no known effective cure for progeria, but several drugs are being studied for treating it. Physical therapy may help these children achieve good range of motion, balance and posture, and reduce pain in the hips and feet.
Occupational therapy can help them develop in functional areas such as eating, maintaining personal hygiene and handwriting. Children who have progeria can benefit greatly from care to help them live as healthy and comfortable a life as possible.
Monitoring for heart disease: This includes regular tests such as echocardiograms and checking blood pressure. Low-dose aspirin therapy and statin drugs can help reduce some risks of heart disease.
Regular eye exams: Some children with progeria have eye problems, including farsightedness or dry eyes (because their eyelids may not close completely). As the condition advances, they may also develop cataracts. These children may have thinner eyebrows and eyelashes, which can make it more likely that irritants can get in their eyes. Also, some children have a strong sensitivity to light and may be advised to wear sunglasses in some settings.
Hearing tests: Children who have progeria may have hearing loss that can be improved with hearing aids.
Regular dental exams: Children with progeria are more likely to have dental problems such as cavities, severe crowding, delayed arrival of teeth and recessed gums.
Monitoring for skin problems: These are often the first signs of progeria, and can include dark spots or bulges on the skin, hair loss, itching and skin tightness that restricts motion and can make it difficult to breathe or digest food.
Monitoring of bone health: Children with progeria may have several issues related to bone growth and development, as well as joint problems. Children with progeria need adequate nutrition to grow. Some may need supplemental nutrition.