Strength of Recommendation and Quality of Evidence
Category/Grade
Definition
Strength of Recommendation
A
Good evidence to support a recommendation for or against use.
B
Moderate evidence to support a recommendation for or against use.
C
Poor evidence to support a recommendation.
Quality of Evidence
I
Evidence from ≥ 1 properly randomized, controlled trial.
II
Evidence from ≥ 1 well-designed clinical trial, without randomization;
from cohort or case-controlled analytic studies (preferably from
> 1 center); from multiple time-series; or from dramatic results of
uncontrolled experiments.
III
Evidence from opinions of respected authorities, based on clinical
experience, descriptive studies, or reports of expert committees.
Abbreviations
bid, twice a day; C&S, culture and sensitivity; d, day; ER, extended release; IM, intramuscular;
IV, intravenous; PO, orally; TMP-SMX DS, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole double strength
(160/800 mg); UTI, urinary tract infection
Source
Gupta K, Hooton TM, Naber KG, Wullt B, Colgan R, Miller LG, Moran GJ, Nicolle LE, Raz
R, Schaeffer AJ, Soper DE. International clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of acute
uncomplicated cystitis and pyelonephritis in women: a 2010 update by the Infectious Diseases
Society of America and the European Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases. Clin Infect
Dis. 2011;52(5):e103-e120.
Disclaimer
This Guideline attempts to define principles of practice that should produce high-quality patient
care. It is applicable to specialists, primary care, and providers at all levels. This Guideline
should not be considered exclusive of other methods of care reasonably directed at obtaining the
same results. The ultimate judgment concerning the propriety of any course of conduct must be
made by the clinician after consideration of each individual patient situation.
Neither IGC, the medical associations, nor the authors endorse any product or service associated
with the distributor of this clinical reference tool.
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