['To study the effect of dexamethasone on postextubation stridor (PS) incidence and reintubation rate due to PS in a high-risk paediatric intensive care population.', 'All children aged between 4 wk and 6 y, who were intubated for at least 24 h and extubated between August 1999 and May 2002, were retrospectively included (n=60). Medical records of the included patients were studied; records of patients treated with dexamethasone prior to and following extubation (n=23) were compared with control patients who had not received prophylactic medication (n=37).', 'Nine patients in the control group developed significant postextubation stridor, necessitating nebulized epinephrine or glucocorticosteroids. In six of these children, reintubation as a result of postextubation stridor was indicated. None of the patients treated with dexamethasone developed severe postextubation stridor or required reintubation.'] Does dexamethasone reduce reintubation rate due to postextubation stridor in a high-risk paediatric population?