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Severe bone changes in a case of Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome
Giselle Helena de Paula Rodrigues1, Izilda das Eiras Tâmega, Gustavo Duque
1Division on Aging, Sorocaba Medical School, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo, Brazil.
Insights
Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) causes accelerated aging and severe bone deformities. This case highlights significant osteolysis and skeletal compromise in an 8-year-old girl with HGPS.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Skeletal Dysplasias
Background:
- Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by premature aging.
- It presents with features of accelerated aging and delayed maturity, affecting multiple organ systems.
Observation:
- A case study of an 8-year-old girl with HGPS presenting with short stature and alopecia.
- Clinical examination revealed major criteria for HGPS and significant skeletal abnormalities.
Findings:
- The patient exhibited severe osteolysis and bone deformities, particularly in distal extremities.
- Radiographic examination showed generalized osteopenia and severe osteolytic compromise.
Implications:
- This case underscores the severe skeletal involvement in HGPS.
- Understanding these bone complications is crucial for managing patients and exploring therapeutic strategies.
Abstract:
The Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a very rare, but well known inherited condition of uncertain etiology in which features of premature and accelerated aging are mixed with those of delayed maturity and immaturity. Appearance at birth and birth weight are usually normal but growth typically slows after 1 year. All organ systems undergo degeneration to such an extent that the patient resembles an old man or woman. Short stature, micrognatia, alopecia, sculptured nose, prominent scalp veins, loss of subcutaneous fat, prominent joints, hyperlipidemia and early arteriosclerosis characterize the syndrome. Skeletal compromise includes hypoplasia and dysplasia, persistent open fontanelles, severe osteolysis and pathological fractures. There are no intellectual deficits in patients with this syndrome, and intelligence is unaffected. The life span in progeria is shortened by early arteriosclerosis. In this case, we review the characteristics of the severe osteolytic compromise in distal arms and limbs and bone deformities in a case of an 8-year-old girl, who was admitted to our hospital with short stature and loss of hair. On examination, the child had the major clinical criteria for HGPS as well as severe alterations in osteogenesis, including craniofacial disproportion, short and sculptured nose, delayed dentition, severe scoliosis, clavicular deformity and asymmetrical and hypoplastic arms and legs. Generalized osteopenia and severe osteolytic compromise in distal extremities were found by X-ray examination. In summary, we report the case of an 8-year-old girl who meets the diagnostic criteria for HGPS with severe involvement of her bones and joints with a review of the current literature and a possible therapeutic approach.