- Presence of SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) defined as two or more of the following signs or symptoms: - temperature > 38.3°C or < 36°C - white blood cell count > 12.000/mmc or < 4.000 or > 10% bands - pulse rate > 90 beats/min - respiratory rate > 20178 - systolic blood pressure </= 90 mmgHg - decreased capillary refill/mottling > 2 seconds - lactate > 2 mmol/L - altered mental status - hyperglycemia > 120 mg/dl or 7.7 mmol/L in the absence of diabetes - protein C (CPR) > 20 mg/L (VR 0-5)3. Duration of infection < 21 days