Ingestion of caustic substances can cause oesophageal burns. Whether corticosteroids should be used to prevent the development of strictures in these children is controversial. In a study of 83 children with grade IIb oesophageal burns, 42 received methylprednisolone, ranitidine, ceftriaxone and parenteral nutrition (study group) and 41 received the same regimen but without methylprednisolone (control group). Strictures developed in four children in the study group and 12 in the control group, which is a significant difference. Thus, high doses of methylprednisolone are effective in the management of patients with oesophageal burns.