Mahajan's dependence on BP drugs again comes down

Mumbai, Apr 30 (UNI) The drug dose to stabilise the blood pressure of senior BJP leader Pramod Mahajan has again started gradually coming down after yesterday's surgery by a team of Indian and British doctors in the Hinduja hospital here, while his condition remained ''critical but stable'' on day 9 of the treatment for grievous gunshot injuries.

His personal assistant Vivek Mitra today said gradual reduction in drugs to support blood pressure of the 56-year-old was a '' positive sign''.

Mr Mahajan's dependence on BP-support medication, after coming down slightly for two days on April 26-27, had gone up marginally the next day when CT scan was done to assess injuries and any collection in his body.

Mr Mahajan was allegedly shot point-blank by his younger brother Pravin on April 22 at the Worli apartment of the BJP leader and three bullets were still embedded in his body after three surgeries.

Mr Mitra said Mr Mahajan continued to be on ventilation and dialysis. He was put on dialysis after second surgery on April 23 because of poor functioning of kidneys. He was operated first on April 22 when bullets had shattered the right side of his liver, damaged head of pancreas and small intestine as also the IVC - the main vein in the abdomen.

Yesterday's surgery was done to clean up his abdomen and infections. The surgeons inserted pipes for internal feeding and breathing to prepare Mr Mahajan for long-term treatment as indicated by the last bulletin which said ''it is anticipated that Mr Mahajan may require similar procedures (surgeries) in the future.'' The bulletin said ''The lever injury appeared contained, requiring no further intervention.'' Quoting Dr Mohamad Rela of London's King College Hospital, who was in the team of surgeons who conducted the third surgery, the bulletin said liver transplantation was never required nor considered as a treatment option for Mr Mahajan. The surgeons also performed tracheostomy to facilitate easier breathing.

UNI JM-GVS SA PK HT1338