OBJECTIVE:

Several risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) were found in patients with schizophrenia. Therefore, we hypothesize that the incidences of VTE and PE are relatively higher among schizophrenia patients in comparison with the general population.

METHOD:

For this population-based cohort study, claims data from 1996 to 2011 were obtained from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. We compared the incidence of DVT and PE between schizophrenia and non-schizophrenia cohorts. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze the risk of DVT and PE, according to sex, age, and comorbidities.

RESULTS:

Compared with the non-schizophrenia cohort, the schizophrenia cohort exhibited a 2.02-fold higher adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for developing DVT, and a 1.99-fold higher adjusted HR for developing PE. Furthermore, schizophrenia patients using first-generation or second-generation antipsychotics exhibited a higher adjusted HR for both DVT and PE development.

CONCLUSION:

Compared with the general population, the risk of DVT and PE is relatively higher among schizophrenia patients. Early diagnosis and intervention by physicians could mitigate complications and reduce mortality resulting from VTE.