Table 1.

Criteria for level of evidence and grading of strength of recommendations used in formulation of present document.

Quality of evidence	Level
Evidence from ≥1 good quality and well-conducted randomized control trial(s) or meta-analysis of RCT's	1
Evidence from at least 1 RCT of moderate quality, or well-designed clinical trial without randomization; or from cohort or case-controlled studies	2
Evidence from descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees, or opinion of respected authorities based on clinical experience	3
Not backed by sufficient evidence; however, a consensus reached by the working group, based on clinical experience and expertise	Useful Practice Point (UPP)
Strength of recommendations	Grade
Strong recommendations to do (or not to do) where the benefits clearly outweigh the risk (or vice versa) for most, if not all patients	A
Weak recommendations, where benefits and risk are more closely balanced or are more uncertain	B