Figure 2.

(a) Baseline stroke volume index in survivors and non-survivors. Stroke volume index at baseline was not significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. (b) Change in stroke volume index from baseline at the point of maximal cardiac output response during dobutamine challenge. Change in stroke volume was the strongest predictor of outcome among tested variables (p = 0.0003). A cut-off value of 8.5 mL/m² increase in stroke volume index (indicated by the dotted line) correctly categorised outcome in 21 of 23 subjects with only one mismatch in each group. Dash indicates mean values.