Proportion of patients alive and off the ventilator having been ventilated with a tidal volume of 6 and 12 ml/kg ideal body weight. Median number of ventilator-free days in patients receiving a tidal volume of 6 and 12 ml/kg ideal body weight. Patients randomized to EGDT received the same therapy but, in addition, were monitored for the endpoint of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO 2 ) > 70%. EGDT patients were given more intravenous fluids (including blood transfusions) and more inotropic support (mostly dobutamine).