Table 2.

Definition of Disease Phases in the Course of Critical Illness.

Disease Phase		Organ Dysfunction	Inflammation	Metabolic State	Approximate Duration/Period (Days)
Acute phase	Early acute phase	Severe or increasing (multiple) organ dysfunction	Progressive inflammation	Catabolic	1–3
	Late acute phase	Stable or improving organ dysfunction	Regressive inflammation	Catabolic-anabolic	2–4
Post-acute phase	Convalescence/rehabilitation	Largely restored organ function	Resolution of inflammation	Anabolic	>7
	Chronic phase	Persistent organ dysfunction	Persistent immune suppression	Catabolic	>7