Abstract: In May 2003,220 patients diagnosed as SARS in other hospitals were transferred to XUANWU hospital.Fifteen cases(female 5)were under of 18 years old.The youngest patient was7years old.Four patients were from8to14years old.Ten patiens were between the age of 15 and 18 years old.The average age was 15.1years old.Based on the Guanzhou diagnostic criteria of SARS,the epidemic history,clinical symptoms,laboratory tests,the results of chest X-ray,and their response to antibiotic administration points.The most important were reviewed for correct diagnosis of SARS in children were①close contact to SARSpatients;②family or group history.In order to avoid the over misdiagnosis of SARS,differentiation of the"epidemic area"from the"local region"must be made correctly.The shadow in chest X-ray examination is an important point.It is necessary for patiens to have an early CTscan for SARS diagnosis.Laboratory test and the response to antibiotics of these patients are also referential to make a correct diagnosis.These two aspects are similar to typical pneumonia.In order to reduce the adverse effects of corticosteroid,careful use of corticosteroid in the treatment of SARS are recommended.The condition of child patient with SARS is often stable,so it is not necessary to give expensive immunologic products.The reason why children are less infected by SAR Sshould be studied further using pathogenic methods.The antibody to SARS virus can be found in the serum of some babies and children.SARS virus shows some cross immuno-reaction to other viruses.Therefore,a golden criteria should be developed for the detection of pathogenic viruses.

Key words: SARS, children