Fig. 4

Cumulative incidence curves of ECMO-free (a), ventilator-free (b), sedation-free (c), and organ dysfunction-free (d) days composites between the lower-threshold group and higher-threshold group. For each curve, 95% confidence intervals (dotted lines) are shown. The subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) with 95% confidence intervals is provided. The SHR is calculated from a competing risk regression providing the chance of the lower-threshold group compared with the higher-threshold group for the particular event (ECMO removal, weaning from mechanical ventilation, RASS 0 or − 1, SOFA score < 6) accounting for the existence of the alternative outcome of death. For better interpretation, the y-axis of the ventilator-free days composite (b) is scaled from 0 to 40% instead of 0 to 100%. Definition of abbreviations: TTtransfusion threshold, ECMO extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, MV mechanical ventilation, OD organ dysfunction