Table 1 Patientcharacteristics (n = 38)

Age, years, mean ± SD

64 ± 15

Gender, male, n (%)

25 (65.7)

Body weight, kg, mean ± SD

68 ± 19

SAPS II at study inclusion, mean ± SD

64 ± 23

Days in ICU before inclusion, median (range)

1 (1 to 22)

ICU mortality, n (%)

25 (65.7)

Causes of septic shock

   Community-acquired pneumonia

10

   Nosocomial pneumonia

12

   Mediastinitis

4

   Intra-abdominal infection

6

   Others

4

   Not documented

2