Table 1 Level of evidence and strength of recommendation for RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab

I

evidence obtained by randomized controlled clinical studies and/or by systematic reviews of randomized studies

II

evidence obtained from an individual and adequately designed randomized study

III

evidence obtained by cohort studies with concurrent or historical controls, or a meta-analysis thereof.

IV

evidence obtained by retrospective, case-controlled studies or meta-analysis

V

evidence obtained from case-series studies without a control group

VI

evidence based on the opinion of authoritative experts or of committees of experts as indicated in guidelines or a consensus conference, or based on the opinion of the members of the workgroup responsible for this guideline

Strength of recommendations

A

the performance of that particular procedure or diagnostic test is strongly recommended (it indicates a particular recommendation supported by good quality albeit not necessarily type I or II scientific evidence)

B

there is some doubt that the procedure/intervention must be always recommended, but it is thought that its execution has to attentively be considered

C

there is substantial uncertainty in favor of or against the recommendation to perform the procedure or the intervention

D

performing the procedure is not recommended

E

performing the procedure is strongly discouraged