Definition of outcomes The diagnosis of sepsis is based on the detection of clinical signs and symptoms by the physicians in charge, presence of laboratory findings consistent with sepsis, and isolation of a causative organism from blood or body fluids. Patients with an episode of sepsis continue to receive follow-up until death or discharge from RCC for secondary outcomes [16]. VAP is characterized by the presence of signs of respiratory infection (fever, leukocytosis and purulent respiratory secretions), and a new and persistent infiltrate on chest X-ray in patients undergoing MV [20]. Urinary tract infections is diagnosed by isolation of a pathogen from urine collected by suprapubic puncture or bladder catheterization, with growth of more than 100 000 bacteria/mL or more than 10 000 fungi/mL. Success of weaning from MV is defined as no need of MV for more than 5 days.