[Venous thromboembolism in connection with physical restraint].

A 29-year old man was admitted to an emergency psychiatric ward because of exacerbation of a chronic paranoid schizophrenia. He was restrained after arrival, and seven days later a deep venous thrombosis and a pulmonary embolism were diagnosed. No haematological predisposing factors (coagulation inhibitor deficiency, activated protein C resistance, or antiphospholipid antibodies) were identified, except for a questionable borderline increase of the fibrinolysis inhibitor PAI-1, and combined type II hyperlipidaemia. During the last 15-20 years, there has been a considerable reduction in the use of restraint and seclusion in Norway. The use of seclusion and restraint may be effective in preventing injury and reducing agitation, but these procedures may also have harmful physical, and in particular psychological side-effects. To our knowledge, this is the first report to demonstrate an association between venous thromboembolism and physical restraint. Immobilisation is a well-known risk factor for thrombophlebitis, and special attention should be paid to this problem on psychiatric wards. However, until more is known about thrombosis in relation to restraint, it is not advisable to recommend prophylactic treatment of thrombosis.