In bivariate analysis, lower birthweight, lower gestational age, need for fluid bolus, mechanical ventilation, high CRP, leukopenia below 5 × 10 3/L, thrombocytopenia below 150 × 10 3/L and meningitis were found to be significant predictors of combined mortality and neurodiability, whereas maternal age, chorioamnionitis, instrumental delivery, need for positive pressure ventilation at birth, gender and type of sepsis were not significant predictors. Here, CRP is linked to Decreased total leukocyte count.