Condition of Israel's Ariel Sharon worsens-doctors

JERUSALEM, July 23 (Reuters) The condition of former Israeli prime minister Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma since January, has deteriorated in the past two days, doctors caring for him said today.

Doctors at the Tel Hashomer hospital near Tel Aviv said Sharon, who fell into a coma after a stroke on Jan. 4, was suffering from an accumulation of fluids in his body and problems with the functioning of his kidneys.

''Over the past two days the doctors have identified a deterioration in the kidney function...and changes in brain tissue,'' a statement issued by the hospital said.

''The doctors are continuing tests in order to diagnose the changes which have taken place in Sharon's body and to administer the appropriate treatment.'' Sharon's family was with him, the hospital said.

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