Association between the C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index and mortality in elderly patients with dysphagia requiring nutritional support.

BACKGROUND

While the novel C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index-integrating inflammatory, nutritional, and immune markers-has proven valuable for prognosis in various diseases, its utility in predicting outcomes for dysphagia patients is still unclear.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort analysis utilized data sourced from the Dryad Digital Repository. The CALLY index (albumin × lymphocyte count/C-reactive protein × 104) was calculated. After logarithmic transformation (Ln-CALLY), the patients were divided into low Ln-CALLY group (≤ 2.21) and high Ln-CALLY group (>2.21). All-cause mortality served as the primary endpoint. The association between Ln-CALLY and outcomes was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank testing and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. The dose-response relationship was evaluated by restricted cubic splines (RCS).

RESULTS

This study enrolled 253 elderly dysphagia patients. Analysis revealed Ln-CALLY as a significant predictor of all-cause mortality.

CONCLUSION

The CALLY index shows promise as a predictor of mortality risk and long-term outcomes in older dysphagia patients.