Table 2

Level of evidence, grade of recommendations, and agreement among experts

Level of evidenceGrade of recommendationLevel of agreement
Overarching Principles
 I9.48
 II9.90
 III9.42
 IV9.81
Recommendations
 13 (SLE)/1* (LN)C (SLE)/A (LN)9.52
 22 (SLE)/1* (LN)B (SLE)/A (LN)9.32
 32B9.03
 41*A9.71
 52B9.03
 62B9.87
 72B9.13
 82B9.58
 93†C9.52
 102B9.35
 114, 5‡C9.55
  • *Based on large number of well-designed cohort studies with large effect size(s).

  • †Based on low-quality randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled cohort studies.

  • ‡Mechanism-based reasoning or non-SLE evidence.