Chennai-based Kauvery Hospital, where M. Karunanidhi is being treated, said there is an overall decline in DMK chief's general health and he will need an extended period of hospitalisation.
"An extended period of hospitalisation will be necessary due to age related overall decline in Karunanidhi's general health, altered liver functions & haematological parameters. He continues to maintain his vital signs with active medical support," Kauvery Hospital said in a new press statement on Tuesday.
The DMK president was in the intensive care unit of the hospital for the fourth day on Tuesday where Congress chief Rahul Gandhi visited him and described his condition as stable.
"I met him, he is fine, stable. I am quite happy to see that he is doing well. He is a very tough person like the people of Tamil Nadu. He has the spirit of Tamil Nadu in him," Rahul told reporters after visiting Karunanidhi.
After spending about 15 minutes at the hospital, the Congress president said his mother and predecessor Sonia Gandhi had sent her best wishes and regards to Karunanidhi and his family.
DMK cadres continued to stay put outside the hospital premises despite a sudden downpour in the afternoon.
On Dec 17, 2016, Rahul Gandhi had visited Karunanidhi at the same hospital when the nonagenarian leader was undergoing treatement for lung and throat infection.
Earlier in the day, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar had said Karunanidhi was "stable and breathing on his own".
Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin had said on Monday night his condition was stable.
The family members of Karunanidhi, including his daughter Kanimozhi, a Rajya Sabha MP, are present at the hospital.
(With PTI inputs)
