High CRP and white blood cell counts are not reliable indicators of early-onset neonatal infection in full-term infants

This study demonstrates that infection indicators frequently showed abnormalities in full-term infants at high risk for EOS who tested negative. Few infants had normal infection indicators within 24 h, and although WBC levels normalized by 24-48 h, CRP levels remained elevated. Specific perinatal factors were also associated with abnormal infection markers. These findings reinforce the need for cautious interpretation of isolated biomarker elevations and support antimicrobial stewardship by highlighting the high frequency of abnormal indicators in uninfected infants, thereby reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure.