Fig. 1. The flow chart on the enrollment processes for study participants. ^*This was defined as the fulfillment of all EGDT components and achievement of the final goal of superior vena cava oxygen saturation ≥70% within 6 hrs after arrival at the emergency department, as well as faithfully implemented EGDT and initial resuscitation of Surviving Sepsis Campaign international guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock according to the recent update version at enrollment. EGDT, early goal-directed therapy.