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Intention-to-treat — USMLE Step 3 MCQ

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ModeratePreventive Medicine, Epidemiology, BiostatisticsIntention-to-treatUSMLE Step 3

A randomized trial compares two diabetes medications. Ten percent of patients assigned to medication A stop taking it, and 8% assigned to medication B cross over. The investigators want to preserve the benefit of randomization in the primary analysis. Which of the following is the most appropriate at this time?

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Correct answer: D — Analyze participants in the groups to which they were randomized

Intention-to-treat analysis preserves randomization by analyzing patients according to assigned group regardless of adherence or crossover.

Reference: CONSORT Statement; Users' Guides to the Medical Literature