LAUSR

Key Points Question Are there potential harms associated with oral corticosteroid bursts (defined as the use of oral corticosteroids for 14 or fewer days) in children? Findings In this nationwide population-based study of 1 064 587 children who received a single corticosteroid burst, a burst was associated with 1.4- to 2.2-fold increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and pneumonia within the first month after corticosteroid initiation. Meaning This study suggests that clinicians should be aware of potentially severe adverse events associated with corticosteroid bursts in children.