Objective　To evaluate the expression of miR-196b in newly diagnosed pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its clinical significance. Methods Fifty-two AML children were enrolled in this study and 30 non-leukemia compared children were selected as controls. The expressions of miR-196b were detected in bone marrow samples by real-time quantitative PCR (q-RT-PCR) and the results were expressed in 2-ΔΔCt. Results miR-196b expressions were significantly higher in M4-5 and lower in non- M4-5 of AML children than those in control (P<0.01), with a lowest level in t (15;17) and a highest level in MLL subtypes (P<0.01). The miR-196b expressions were significantly different among different prognosis groups (P<0.01) and the level in the favorable prognostic group was lower than in poor prognosis group. It was also found that miR-196b expression was lower in remission group than that in no-remission group after the first induction remission therapy (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of miR-196b in the children with WBC≥100×109/L were statistically higher than that in the children with WBC<100×109/L (P<0.01), and miR-196b level was positively correlated with the platelet counts (r=0.302, P=0.030). Conclusions miR-196b expression is increased in poor prognosis group of AML children, and high expression of miR-196b is related with low response rate and poor prognosis. miR-1966 is expected to become a new target for the treatment of AML.