Inverse association between the C-reactive protein-to-albumin-to-lymphocyte (CALLY) index and kidney stones in US adults: a population-based study.

The C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index is an emerging integrated biomarker that simultaneously captures systemic inflammation, immune function, and nutritional status. This study investigates the potential association between the CALLY index and the occurrence of kidney stones. This cross-sectional study utilized data obtained from the 2007–2010 NHANES. Weighted logistic regression and nonlinear regression analysis were applied to analyze the relationship between the CALLY index and kidney stones. The robustness of the results was further examined through subgroup analyses. Predictive performance was assessed through ROC curves. Of the 10,698 participants aged 18 and above, 9.15% reported a history of kidney stones. After log-transforming the CALLY index, the multivariable-adjusted model revealed that each one-unit increase in lnCALLY was associated with a 22% reduction in the risk of kidney stones (OR = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.64–0.96; P = 0.0170). Subgroup analyses and nonlinear regression analysis are used to validate this association further. Finally, the ROC curve analysis indicated that the CALLY index outperformed SII, SIRI, NLR, MLR, PIV, and PLR in estimating the risk of kidney stones. This study suggests that lower CALLY levels appear to be linked to a higher likelihood of developing kidney stones. Future studies should explore longitudinal effects and intervention outcomes to further elucidate the potential benefits of CALLY-related indicators in reducing the risk of kidney stones.