Level of Evidence

Level Definition
A High-quality randomized controlled trial (RCT)
A High-quality meta-analysis (quantitative systematic review)
B Nonrandomized clinical trial
B Nonquantitative systematic review
B Lower quality RCT
B Clinical cohort study
B Case-control study
B Historical control
B Epidemiologic study
C Consensus
C Expert opinion
D Anecdotal evidence
D In vitro or animal study
D Theoretical based on pharmacology