Dilip Kumar could soon be shifted out of ICU, say doctors

Doctors on Friday even considered putting the veteran actor on dialysis if his condition deteriorated further

Doctors treating veteran actor Dilip Kumar at Lilavati Hospital said on Sunday that his health was improving and he could soon be shifted to a general ward from the intensive care unit (ICU).

Actor Dilip Kumar in the intensive care unit at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai . Doctors say his condition is stable. (HT file)

Dr Ravishankar, CEO, LiIavati Hospital, said there was a satisfactory improvement in the actor’s health. “His renal functions are improving, creatinine and potassium levels are dropping, and he is passing urine on his own. Though he is in ICU under observation, he is stable,” he said.

On Friday, doctors had said that continues ‘derange’ in Kumar’s renal parameters could have been the reason behind his failing health. They had even considered putting him on dialysis had his condition deteriorated further. But the actor, who was admitted to the hospital last week, showed signs of recovery and has been responding well to the treatment.

A major cause of concern were the actor’s elevated creatinine levels — a sign of kidney problems — and a drop in his blood haemoglobin. The kidneys maintain blood creatinine, but a spike indicates dysfunction or disease.

“The major issue was dehydration. Since it affects kidney and other organs momentarily, he [Kumar] suffered minor urinary issues, otherwise there is no major complication,” said Ravishankar.

The 94-year-old actor has faced several medical complications in the recent years. Kumar was hospitalised last April for fever and nausea. He was again admitted to Lilavati in December for swelling in his right leg.