Chennai, August 6:  Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president M Karunanidhi’s health declined once again on Monday evening, a medical bulletin released by Chennai's Kauvery Hospital said. The bulletin further added that the doctors are facing a challenge in maintaining his vital organ functions. "He is on continues monitoring and is being treated with active medical support. His response to medical interventions over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis", the hospital said.

Karunanidhi, 94, was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit after his blood pressure had dropped on July 21 and has been receiving treatment since then. The leader, fondly known as Kalaignar, was reported to have been suffering from complications arising from a UTI or a urinary tract infection.

On July 29, Executive Director of Kauvery Hospital, Chennai Dr Aravindan Selvaraj said that there was a ‘transient setback’ in the health condition of the leader and that his vital signs are normalising. This has led many to wonder whether what exactly is a transient setback.

Here's the Health Bulletin Released by Kauvery Hospital on Monday:

On July 31, the hospital had issued a statement saying an extended period of hospitalisation would be necessary for Karunanidhi due to the age-related decline in his health, altered liver functions and haematological parameters.

For the past two years, the DMK president has not been making any public appearances owing to his ill health, but he still holds the top post in the Dravidian party. The DMK Supremo has not been keeping well since October 2016. A few days ago, he underwent a procedure to change his tracheostomy tube to help him in breathing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 06, 2018 06:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).