Table 3

Organ failure

Organ system failure

Severe sepsis (n = 134)

Septic shock (n = 53)

Neurological failure

31 (23)

19 (36)

Cardiovascular failure

97 (72)

53 (100)

Renal failure

71 (53)

33 (62)

Respiratory failure

121 (90)

49 (92)

Haematological failure

31 (23)

18 (34)

Metabolic failure

66 (49)

53 (100)

Liver failure

60 (45)

34 (64)

Number of patients in the point prevalence survey with severe sepsis and/or septic shock with acute organ failure in various organ systems (% of patients).

van Gestel et al. Critical Care 2004 8:R153   doi:10.1186/cc2858