After being hospitalized for days for prolonged respiratory issues, Pope Francis was in critical condition on Saturday while being treated for pneumonia. The Vatican said the catholic pontiff required high flows of oxygen to help him breathe.
The 88 year old pope, also was given blood transfusions to help him recover from shortage of blood cells that aids in clotting. His condition is still critical. The pope has been hospitalized since Feb 14. The Vatican in its statement said the pope “is not out of danger”. It was the first time his condition was described with “critical”.
The statement issued by the Vatican also revealed that the pontiff “continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday.” Doctors have raised concerns about the key threat faced by the pope which could be the onset of sepsis. Sepsis is a serious blood infection that can develop from complications from pneumonia.
The medical team treating the holy father as of Friday, said that there was no signs of any sepsis, and that pope Francis was responding to treatment. After reviewing the latest blood tests as of Saturday the team noted that he had developed a low platelet count. Platelets. help patients or wounded people to quickly recover from bleeding and heal their wounds. When platelets are low, it can be the side effects from medications or infections, according to the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
Pope Francis, has a pre-existing lung issue and have higher risk of contracting bronchitis during the winter season. He was admitted to Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14 after suffering from recurring bronchitis which later worsened.
