A Group of Researchers Conducted a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

A group of researchers conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to study the effectiveness of mercaptopurine and Lactobacillus to prevent recurrence of Crohn disease after surgical resection.  Six-hundred patients were randomly assigned to daily mercaptopurine, Lactobacillus, or placebo (ratio: 1:1:1) and followed up for 3 years.  Clinical recurrence of Crohn disease was determined based on the Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) , with a score >150 indicating recurrence.  The primary endpoint was a significant increase in the CDAI (defined as a 100-point increase in score, with CDAI >150) and the need for anti-inflammatory rescue treatment or primary surgical intervention.  An excerpt of the study results is shown below. The researchers decide to focus their attention on the effectiveness of mercaptopurine in preventing clinical recurrence events after surgical resection within 3 years compared with placebo.  They estimate the number needed to treat to be 10.  Which of the following is the correct interpretation of this value?

A) 10 patients need to be treated with mercaptopurine after surgical resection to prevent 1 additional clinical recurrence
B) 10 patients need to be treated with mercaptopurine after surgical resection to prevent 1 additional clinical recurrence within 3 years of treatment
C) Compared with Lactobacillus or placebo, 10 patients need to be treated with mercaptopurine after surgical resection to prevent 1 additional clinical recurrence within 3 years of treatment
D) Compared with Lactobacillus, 10 patients need to be treated with mercaptopurine after surgical resection to prevent 1 additional clinical recurrence within 3 years of treatment
E) Compared with placebo, 10 patients need to be treated with mercaptopurine after surgical resection to prevent 1 additional clinical recurrence within 3 years of treatment

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