CRP and Increased total leukocyte count: The present study has limitations apart from general limitations of register-based, retrospective studies: (i) causes of leukocytosis and elevated CRP were unclear and information on disorders that are likely associated with systemic inflammatory response (e.g., infections at admission, malignancies, rheumatologic disorders or certain medication) was not collected and it was not possible to determine whether leukocytosis was a trigger for stroke.