Fig. 1

Recruitment of patients into the study. ESRD: End-stage renal disease; ICU: Intensive care unit; n: Sample size; RRT: Renal replacement therapy. Group I was defined as the cumulative doses of prednisone within 5 days before admission to ICU was equal to 0 mg. Group II was defined as the cumulative doses of prednisone within 5 days before admission to ICU were greater than 0 mg and less than or equal to 50 mg. Group III was defined as the cumulative doses of prednisone within 5 days before admission to ICU were greater than 50 mg and less than or equal to 150 mg. Group IV was defined as the cumulative doses of prednisone within 5 days before admission to ICUs were greater than 150 mg