Cystic fibrosis in Iraqi children.

Cystic fibrosis (C.F.) was firmly established as a single disease by Anderson 
in 1938 although previously case reports had appeared in the European 
literature. Subsequently C.F. has been described in many parts of the 
world. This is the first report of cystic fibrosis in Arab-Iraqi 
children. Seventeen cases of cystic fibrosis were diagnosed at Medical City 
Teaching College Hospital, University of Baghdad, between 1970 and 1976. In 
this study the sex-ratio was 2:1. This compared with the roughly 
equal ratio usually quoted. A possible explanation for this discrepancy is 
the preference given to boys in Iraqi families and medical attention 
is more likely to be sought on their behalf. 