The CRP-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index is an independent prognostic factor for patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation

The C-reactive protein-albumin-lymphocyte (CALLY) index is an emerging composite biomarker that integrates inflammatory, nutritional, and immune parameters. Although its prognostic utility has been established in oncological and certain cardiovascular contexts, its role in predicting outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic value of the CALLY index in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI, with a focus on its association with all-cause mortality.

A single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted including 330 patients who underwent TAVI for severe aortic stenosis between December 2016 and January 2025. The CALLY index was calculated using preprocedural C-reactive protein, serum albumin, and lymphocyte count. Primary outcome was the incidence of all-cause mortality.

The CALLY index was lower in deceased patients than in survivors (1.0 [0.4-2.0] vs. 3.0 [1.0-10.6], p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, a lower CALLY index was independently associated with higher all-cause mortality (HR: 0.965, 95% CI: 0.933-0.997, p = 0.034). The optimal cut-off value of the CALLY index for predicting all-cause mortality was 2.21, with an AUC of 0.730 (95% CI: 0.674-0.787), sensitivity of 76.7%, and specificity of 61.3% (p < 0.001).

The CALLY index was independently associated with all-cause mortality in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing TAVI. As a simple and readily available biomarker, it may help support early risk stratification in this population.