Table 1 Primary endpoint: definition of infections

Infected pancreatic necrosis

Positive culture of pancreatic or peripancreatic necrotic tissue obtained by means of fine-needle aspiration or from the first drainage procedure or operation, or the presence of gas in the fluid collection on contrast-enhanced CT.

Bacteraemia

Positive blood culture. For non-pathogens (eg. coagulase negative staphylococci) at least 2 samples have to be positive.

Pneumonia

Coughing or dyspnoea, radiography with infiltrative abnormalities, raised inflammatory variables and positive sputum culture. On the intensive care unit a positive endotracheal culture is mandatory.