Corticosteroid therapy
Corticosteroids are often recommended for caustic ingestions to reduce the risk of developing late oesophageal strictures; however, evidence is largely limited to animal studies. A 2014 study in children with documented oesophageal injury suggested high-dose intravenous methylprednisolone (1 g/1.73 m2 daily for 3 days) may reduce oesophageal stricture formation from 30% to 11%1.
Consult a gastroenterologist regarding whether to use corticosteroids. Routine use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of oesophageal perforation after severe oesophageal injury.