Prince's prognosis 'reserved'

2005-03-25 13:22

Monaco - Prince Rainier's doctors said on Friday they were unable to state whether the 81-year-old ruler of Monaco would recover from the heart, lung and kidney problems that put him in intensive care.

Rainier was still hooked up to a respirator and his state of health "remained worrying," the statement said. Rainier was suffering heart and kidney failure.

The statement, signed by three doctors, said the prognosis was "reserved," French medical terminology indicating that specialists are unsure whether someone will recover.

"The prognosis of the ruler, because of the fragility of his cardiac, respiratory and kidney problems, is reserved," the statement said.

Dr Jean-Charles Piette, chief of internal medicine at La Pitie Salpetriere hospital in Paris, was called to Monaco to see Rainier, the bulletin said. He and other specialists decided the prince must remain in the clinic for treatment.

Rainier was hospitalised more than two weeks ago with a chest infection. His health suddenly worsened on Tuesday, and he was brought to the intensive care unit of Monaco's seaside Cardio-Thoracic Centre.

Rainier has been in and out of the hospital recently. He has a history of heart problems and has lately been plagued by recurring ailments linked to his respiratory tract.

The prince, who assumed the throne in 1949, is beloved in Monaco for having transformed a Mediterranean state smaller than New York's Central Park into a modern and elegant enclave for the rich. Rainier's movie-star wife, Grace Kelly, died in a car crash in 1982.

Rainier's heir, Crown Prince Albert, 47, and his two daughters, Princess Caroline, 48, and Princess Stephanie, 40, have been at his bedside since he was taken to intensive care.

- SAPA