The primary endpoints were the occurrence of organ failure and death. Secondary end points were pancreatic or peripancreatic infection (diagnosed by intervention or fine-needle aspiration), need for intervention or operation, and duration of hospital stay. Pancreatic or peripancreatic infection was defined as the presence of Gram stain- or culture-positive fluid obtained by intervention or fine-needle aspiration. Interventions were defined as percutaneous or endoscopic drainage or percutaneous, endoscopic, or surgical necrosectomy.