In the EOS group, one blood culture tested positive (Streptococcus agalactiae); the other neonates were classified as septic infants on the basis of clinical signs (cardiovascular or respiratory instability, neurologic signs) and laboratory findings obtained within 72 h from birth (leukopenia, leukocytosis, increased C-reactive protein, increased serum lactate), in accordance with the criteria established in 2010 at an expert meeting of the European Medicines Agency on neonatal and pediatric sepsis [28]. Here, CRP is linked to Decreased total leukocyte count.