Exploring the link between the Naples prognostic score and the cardio-ankle vascular index

Abstract Background: the Naples Prognostic Score is a novel scoring system designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of patients’ inflammation and nutritional status. Aim: our aim was to investigate the correlation between the Naples Prognostic Score and arterial stiffness, a factor known to be linked with heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. Materials and methods: this prospective study included 142 consecutive patients without a history of cardiovascular disease, inflammatory disease, immunological disease, malignancy, or comorbid conditions other than hypertension. Patients were categorized into two groups based on their Naples Prognostic Scores: Group 1 (score of 0-2) and Group 2 (score of 3 or 4). Arterial stiffness was assessed using the Cardio-Ankle Vascular Index (CAVI) measured with the VaSera VS-1000 device. CAVI values were compared between the groups. Results: the mean age of the patients was 54 ± 9 years. Group 1 comprised 114 (80.3 %) patients, while Group 2 comprised 28 (19.7 %) patients. There were no significant differences in demographic data between the groups (p > 0.005). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences between Group 1 and Group 2 regarding left CAVI (7.92 ± 1.45 vs. 8.72 ± 1.85; p = 0.295), right CAVI (7.89 ± 1.52 vs. 8.67 ± 1.34; p = 0.332), or left or right ankle brachial index (p > 0.005). Conclusions: despite previous studies indicating a significant association between the Naples Prognostic Score and heart failure or acute coronary syndrome, our study did not observe a significant correlation between this score and arterial stiffness assessed by CAVI.