SOFA score and biochemical variables during the study period.

SOFA Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, WBC white blood cell, CRP C-reactive protein. Data are shown as the median with Inter-quartile range (IQR).1Significant compared with healthy controls (Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test).2Significant compared with non-septic patients (Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test).3Levels differ significantly between septic and non-septic patients during the observation period (two-way repeated measures ANOVA).4Significant time/group interaction between septic and non-septic patients during the observation period (two-way repeated measures ANOVA).