The Sat Report: Pope Francis still in critical condition, has mild acute kidney injury
Let us all continue to pray for the Pope
Just a short post commenting on the latest from the Holy See Press Office on the health of Pope Francis.
First the good news, his clinical condition shows improvements in his blood count and haemoglobin levels. He is still thrombocytopenic (low platelets), but the number has stabilised and not fallen further. So the 2 units of blood he was transfused with yesterday has helped steady the ship haematological wise, though the low platelets will still cause the doctors treating him some worry. He hasn’t had any further acute respiratory crises, though he is on high-flow oxygen through nasal prongs (the least invasive method of oxygen delivery).
He was also able to assist Mass in his private suite on the 10th floor of the Gemelli University Hospital, with members of the medical and nursing team caring for him.
The bad news, his blood markers are indicating the initial stages of a mild acute kidney injury, which may be due to the drug treatment but most probably due to the blood transfusion, or a combination of both. Doctors are still waiting to see if changes to his medication are going to move things in the right direction before making a prognosis, which remains reserved (or guarded) [medicalese for when there is not enough information yet to make a judgment about likely outcomes].
The statement in full:
The condition of the Holy Father remains critical, but since yesterday evening, he has not experienced any further respiratory crises. He received two units of concentrated red blood cells with benefit, and his hemoglobin levels have risen. The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control. High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.
The Holy Father remains alert and well-oriented. The complexity of the clinical situation and the necessary time for the pharmacological treatments to show results require that the prognosis remain reserved.
This morning, in the apartment on the tenth floor, he participated in the Holy Mass, together with those who have been taking care of him during these days of hospitalization.
Let us all please continue to pray for the Pope, whose condition remains critical, during this very trying time for him.
Oremus pro Pontifice nostro Francisco. Dominus conservet eum, et vivificet eum, et beatum faciat eum in terra, et non tradat eum in animam inimicorum eius.