Keimyung University and Yongin Severance Hospital Present World’s First Platelet Criteria for Colon Polypectomy

Selected as the Cover Story in the Latest Issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology

The research team led by Professor Nakhoon Son of the Department of Statistics at Keimyung University (President Shin Ilhee), in collaboration with the Department of Gastroenterology at Yongin Severance Hospital, has had their joint study selected as the cover story in the latest issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology (AJG, IF 8.5 Q1), the world’s most prestigious journal in the field of gastroenterology.

This achievement marks the first time globally that a study has clearly established the minimum safe platelet count for preventing bleeding during colon polypectomy. The results are being recognized as a successful example of collaboration between medical statistics and clinical practice.

(From left) Professor Nakhoon Son of Keimyung University, Hyekyung Hyun of the Department of Gastroenterology at Yongin Severance Hospital, Professor Cheolwoong Heo, Professor Taeil Kim of Severance Hospital

This study is significant in that it provides evidence to predict and prevent bleeding risks that may occur during colon polypectomy. Previous international treatment guidelines have only suggested platelet count criteria for diagnostic endoscopy or biopsy, while clear standards for the more invasive polypectomy procedures have been lacking.

Professor Nakhoon Son’s research team applied propensity score matching and weighted analysis based on large-scale clinical data from Severance Hospital and Yongin Severance Hospital (21,562 patients and 41,930 polyps).

After precisely adjusting for various clinical variables, the analysis determined that the minimum platelet count for safe procedures is 90,000/μL.

If the platelet count is below 90,000/μL, the risk of immediate post-polypectomy bleeding (IPPB) increases by about 2.7 times, and the risk of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB) rises by approximately 9.7 times compared to the control group.

For high-risk procedures involving the removal of large polyps (20mm or larger), the bleeding risk increased significantly when the platelet count was below 100,000/μL.

Professor Son systematically controlled for bias that can arise in large retrospective cohort studies using medical statistical techniques, thereby enhancing the reliability of the research.

This study is drawing attention not only for calculating numerical thresholds, but also for providing practical evidence that can support clinical decision-making by medical professionals.

Professor Nakhoon Son stated, “The selection of this study as the AJG cover story signifies global recognition of Keimyung University’s medical statistical data analysis capabilities. I hope the platelet count criteria established through collaboration with the Yongin Severance Hospital research team will serve as a new guideline to improve patient safety in gastroenterology procedures worldwide.”

This research was conducted in collaboration with Professors Hyekyung Hyun and Cheolwoong Heo of the Department of Gastroenterology at Yongin Severance Hospital, and Professor Taeil Kim of Severance Hospital.

The research team plans to continue with follow-up studies, including the development of standardized preventive strategies for patients at high risk of bleeding.