Sharon, Still in Coma, Develops Kidney Ailment

The condition of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who has been in a coma since suffering a stroke in January, has deteriorated, hospital officials and former aides said Sunday.

Sharon, 78, was having kidney trouble at Sheba Medical Center in the Tel Aviv suburb of Tel Hashomer. Hospital officials also said tests had shown changes in Sharon’s brain tissue, but gave no details.

“Over the past two days, the condition of the former prime minister has deteriorated. His kidney function is worsening and he’s amassing liquids in his body,” the hospital said in a statement.

Two of Sharon’s former aides, who said they had spoken to his son Gilad, said there was no immediate danger to the former leader’s life. The former aides spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to the press.

Hospital officials confirmed that Sharon’s kidney function was worsening, his body was accumulating fluids and his brain tissue had undergone changes.

Experts have said there is little chance Sharon will come out of the coma.