Rare genetic disorders in Iraq

Data about rare genetic disorders in Iraqi patients is not available. Iraq is a country that has been in turmoil due to the devastating impact of three major wars and a long period of imposed economic sanctions over three decades. The development of genetic research in this country has been markedly hampered. Relatively common genetic disorders in Iraq include Down s syndrome, hemoglobinopathies (B-thalassemias, and sickle cell anemia), glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G6 PD) deficiency, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and achondroplasia. In an experience extending over about 20 years we have documented the rarest genetics in Iraqi patients. Some of these disorders are very rare through out the world such as Coffin Siris syndrome and cutis laxa type II (Debre type) some of these disorders is very rare in Arab population such as Nephropathic cystinosis and Aicardi syndrome. A new clinical association of a genetic nature has been observed for the first time in Iraqi patients. A very rare combination of two genetic disorders was also observed.