ALB and Sepsis: Initial serum albumin <3.5 mg/dL (OR 4.82; 95 % CI 2.40–9.69; p < 0.01) and a diastolic blood pressure <52 mmHg at ED triage (OR 4.59; 95 % CI 1.57–13.39; p < 0.01) were independently associated with disease progression to severe sepsis or shock within 96 h of ED presentation.