In the multivariable model including age, sex, ethnicity, ascites, esophageal varices, INR, creatinine, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and CRP, baseline serum creatinine was the only independent predictor of sepsis (adjusted OR 1.58 per 1 mg/dL increase, 95% CI 1.08-2.33, <i>p</i> = 0.01). Here, CRP is linked to esophageal varices.