Table 5.

Grades of recommendation (given to various treatment options based on the level of evidence supporting that treatment)

Grade A: treatment options are supported by strong evidence (consistent with level I or II studies)

Grade B: treatment options are supported by fair evidence (consistent with level III or IV studies)

Grade C: treatment options are supported by either conflicting or poor-quality evidence (level IV studies)

Grade D: when insufficient evidence exists to make a recommendation