Final answer:
The Empa-REG Outcome Study's specific patient count is not provided in the references, but a related clinical trial involved 224 patients. In clinical trials, sample size is crucial for ensuring the statistical significance and applicability of the study's results.
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine the number of patients in the Empa-REG Outcome Study, we are looking for specific information about the study's size and scope. Unfortunately, the provided reference materials do not contain direct information about the Empa-REG Outcome Study. However, we can discuss a related concept from the references, which is the importance of sample size in clinical trials. Clinical studies, including those like the Empa-REG Outcome Study, typically involve a control group and a treatment group to assess the effectiveness of a medication. The number of participants in a study can be critical in ensuring that the results are statistically significant and that the conclusions drawn can be applied to a larger population. For instance, in the case of the preventative medication trial noted, a group of 224 patients was used to test the medication's efficacy against a disease. Additionally, sufficient evidence was reported when comparing patients who took the treatment versus those who did not, indicating that the method of treatment reduces the proportion of patients who develop the disease.