HONG KONG (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A new study by researchers in Hong Kong shows severe acute respiratory syndrome may be less serious in young children than in teens and adults. According to Tai Fai Fok, from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, as of April 25, 2003, there have been no deaths in children from the disease.

The study looked at the first 10 children who presented with SARS and were treated during the early stage of the epidemic. All children involved in the study had been in close contact with infected adults. When they came to the doctor, they were treated with high-dose ribavirin, oral prednisolone, and/or intravenous methylprednisolone.

Researchers found teenagers suffered symptoms similar to adults. They experienced malaise, muscle ache and chills. On the other hand, younger children had symptoms such as cough and runny nose that were much less severe. In addition, the younger children’s symptoms lasted for a shorter period. Also, while four of the teens required oxygen therapy, none of the younger children required these serious measures.

SARS is defined as having a high fever (more than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit), one or more respiratory symptoms including cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, and close contact with a person diagnosed with SARS within 10 days. Households and health care settings are the most common locations of transmission.

Based on these findings, researchers conclude young children develop a milder form of the disease with a less-aggressive clinical course than do teenagers and young adults.

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SOURCE: The Lancet, published online April 29, 2003