Could this be another risk factor for DVT/PE. Maybe not yet but it is worth mention. A recent observatioal study in BMJ showed that there was an associated increase with DVT or PE. From a database of 25,532 patients over a 3 year period of time and finding match controls, the results were:
32% overall increase risk of DVT/PE in patient who were taking antipsychotics
Recent initiation of therapy within 3 months increased risk 2-fold
Risk was greater with atypical antipsychotics (Odds Ratio 1.73 Atypical vs 1.23 Old)
Risk was greater with lower dose than higher dose
Limitations were this is was an observational study with missing data. BMI was missing in these records and it is always difficult to tease out the multiple medications these patients are on. Also don't have a great biological mechanism (yet). Still makes you go hmm....
Antipsychotic drugs and risk of venous thromboembolism, Parker, BMJ, 2010.
