Correlations between CD40L expression on PBMCs, serum hp-CRP, serum sCD40L, and neurological dysfunction. CD40L expression on PBMCs was positively correlated with NIHSS score (Spearman rho=0.282, P<0.05; A) and negatively correlated with Barthel Index score (Spearman rho=−0.253, P<0.05; B). Serum hs-CRP level was positively correlated with NIHSS score (Spearman rho=0.433, P<0.01; C) and negatively correlated with Barthel Index score (Spearman rho=0.569, P<0.01; D). There was a positive linear correlation between serum sCD40L and NIHSS score (Spearman rho=0.237, P<0.05, E).