Fig. 6

Forest plot showing EGDTvs. UC regarding red cell transfusions, dobutamine use, vasopressor infusion, and mechanical ventilation within the first 6 h and APACHE II score in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. The severity of illness was reported in each study by the APACHE II score, and the data were presented as the mean ± SD. The distinction between higher and lower severity of illness was determined according to the mean APACHE II score in each study. APACHE II scores > or < 20 were reported in 3 trials. RR < 1.0 favours EGDT