Karuna still in ICU; overall decline in general health

The latest health bulletin on M Karunanidhi, who is admitted to the ICU of Kauvery Hospital here, is a cause for worry since it says that his general health has witnessed “overall decline” due to altered liver function.

94-year-old Karunanidhi is battling for his life at the hospital after he was rushed there in the wee hours of Saturday following drop in blood pressure. On Sunday, his health suffered a “transient setback” due to breathing problems, but it was resolved within a few hours due to treatment.

The DMK chief is critical but stable and continues to be treated at the ICU by a team of expert doctors from the hospital. Though Karunanidhi’s blood pressure has been brought under control, doctors have found that his overall health has declined due to his age.

“Although there has been a resolution of the condition which led to his hospital admission, an extended period of hospitalisation will be necessary due to age-related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters,” the latest bulletin issued on Tuesday evening said.

“He (Karunanidhi) continues to maintain his vital signs with active medical support,” the bulletin issued by Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Executive Director, Kauvery Hospital, said.

The DMK has also been transparent in dealing with Karunanidhi’s health by releasing regular updates and photographs of the leader in the ICU. Karunanidhi has been under treatment for various age-related illness since 2016 and has largely been confined to his Gopalapuram residence except for his hospital visits every six months.

The bulletin also mentioned that Karunanidhi was resuscitated and stabilised in the ICU when he was rushed to the hospital on Saturday.

“There was a setback on his clinical condition on 29/07/2018 due to difficulty in breathing. He responded well to medical management and his vital signs have gradually normalised,” the bulletin noted.