Grading System Strength of Recommendation
Grade 1 = stronga
Grade 2 = weakerb a
A = high
Quality of Evidence B = moderate C = low
Grade 1 recommendations are strong and indicate that the benefits do, or do not, outweigh risks, burden, and costs. b Grade 2 suggests that individual patient values may lead to different choices.
Abbreviations ACCP, American College of Chest Physicians; APTT, activated partial thromboplastin time; DVT, deep venous thrombosis; IE, infective endocarditis; INR, international normalized ratio; IV, intravenous; LMWH, low-molecular-weight heparin; NSR, normal sinus rhythm; PFO, patent foramen ovale; PMBV, percutaneous mitral balloon valvotomy; PVT, prosthetic valve thrombosis; Rx, treatment; STEMI, ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction; subcut, subcutaneous; TEE, transesophageal echocardiography; UFH, unfractionated heparin; VKA, vitamin K antagonist
Source Whitlock RP, Sun JC, Fremes SE, Rubens FD, Teoh KH. Antithrombotic and thrombolytic therapy for valvular disease: Antithrombotic Therapy and Prevention of Thrombosis, 9th ed:
American College of Chest Physicians Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines. Chest. 2012;141(2 Suppl):e576S-e600S.
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 aſter 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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