Risk and prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized psychiatric patients. A review

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a frequent dangerous complication occurring during hospital treatment with total annual incidence of 70-200 per 100,000 citizens. Venous thromboembolism includes deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Pulmonary embolism is responsible for about 10% of hospitalization-related deaths and is the most common avoidable reason for deaths in hospitals. Psychiatric inpatients are particularly vulnerable to an increased risk of VTE due to their limited mobility, the use of restraints, catatonia, communication difficulties, and the use of antipsychotics. Patients with chronic psychiatric conditions like schizophrenia and recurrent affective disorders have significantly higher somatic comorbidity. This population of patients requires specific approach to VTE prophylaxis during hospitalization. This article offers an insight into issues related to thromboembolism, and presents validated diagnostic tools and VTE prophylaxis strategies. The paper includes the review of available research on VTE in patients hospitalized for psychiatric reasons. Considering the scarcity of specific studies in this population we highlight the necessity to follow the available general medical guidelines for psychiatric inpatients.