Fig. 1

Maximum concentration of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in patients with SARS-CoV-2-induced ARDS grouped by a survivors and non-survivors b implementation of ECMO and no ECMO c severity of lung failure according to the Berlin definition of ARDS (moderate, severe) (mild was excluded from further analysis due to n = 1) d implementation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) and no RRT e no septic shock and septic shock at admission f invasively ventilated and not invasively ventilated. N.s. as indicated, Mann–Whitney test, ***p < 0.001; ****p < 0.0001; ns not significant