| Class I |
Conditions for which there is evidence and/or general agreement that the procedure or treatment is useful and effective. |
| Class II |
Conditions for which there is conflicting evidence and/or a divergence of opinion about the usefulness/efficacy of a procedure or treatment. |
| Class IIa |
Weight of evidence/opinion is in favor of usefulness/efficacy. |
| Class IIb |
Usefulness/efficacy is less well established by evidence/opinion. |
| Class III |
Conditions for which there is evidence and/or general agreement that the procedure/treatment is not useful/effective and in some cases may be harmful. |
Level of Evidence A:
Highest Rank
|
Data derived from multiple randomized clinical trials that involved large numbers of patients. |
Level of Evidence B:
Intermediate Rank
|
Data derived from a limited number of randomized trials that involved small numbers of patients or from careful analyses of nonrandomized studies or observational registries. |
Level of Evidence C:
Lower Rank
|
Expert consensus was the primary basis for recommendation. |