Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein as Inflammatory Marker for Venous Thromboembolism in Acutely Ill Hospitalized Patients: Analysis From the APEX Trial

Background: The link between inflammation and a long-term risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) is supported by population-based studies. It remains uncertain whether C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory biomarker, would be associated with short-term VTE among acutely ill hospitalized patients despite provision of thromboprophylaxis. Methods: In the APEX trial, 7513 acutely ill hospitalized patients were randomized to receive either extended-duration betrixaban or shorter-duration enoxaparin and followed for 77 days. CRP levels were measured at baseline from a central laboratory. The relationship between baseline CRP (as a continuous or categorical variable) and VTE was assessed by fitting a univariable and multivariable logistic regression model, with adjustment for thromboprophylaxis, index hospitalization event, D-dimer measurement, and other VTE risk factors (including previous history of VTE, thrombophilia, current lower-limb paralysis, cancer, intensive care unit stay, and age u003e60 years). Resul...