A |
Supported by at least two level I investigations |
B |
Supported by one level I investigation |
C |
Supported by level II investigations only |
D |
Supported by at least one level III investigation |
E |
Supported by level IV and V evidence |
|
Grading of evidence |
|
I |
Large randomized trials with clear-cut results; low risk of false-positive (alpha) error or false-negative (beta) error |
II |
Small randomized trials with uncertain results; moderate-to-high risk of false-positive (alpha) error and/or false-negative (beta) error |
III |
Nonrandomized, contemporaneous controls |
IV |
Nonrandomized, historical controls and expert opinion |
V |
Case series, uncontrolled studies, and expert opinion |