CHILDHOOD CHRONIC LUNG-DISEASE IN THE UNITED-ARAB-EMIRATES

We report our observations on the pattern of referral of children with chronic lung disease (CLD) in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. In a 1-ye ar period 45 children were seen with severe lung disease from an estim ated childhood population of 90 000. Bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis ( CF) and congenital lung disorders were the main diagnoses made. The in digenous Arab population who represent half the total population of th e district appear to be at particular risk of severe lung disease. Che st X-ray and high resolutation computerized tomography (CT) were the m ost commonly used imaging investigations to reach a diagnosis.