What is the health condition of Jayalalitha?
J. Jayalalithaa, the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, had a complex and multifaceted set of health issues, particularly during her hospitalization in 2016. Here are the key points regarding her health condition:
Pre-Hospitalization
- Jayalalithaa had a history of several chronic conditions, including diabetes, vertigo, atopic dermatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, hypothyroidism, and chronic bronchitis. She was also obese and had hypertension45.
Admission to Apollo Hospitals
- She was admitted to Apollo Hospitals on September 22, 2016, after being found in an altered sensorium with low oxygen saturation (48%), a pulse rate of 88 bpm, and blood pressure of 140/70. She was in respiratory distress and had bilateral lung crackles14.
Medical Issues During Hospitalization
- Jayalalithaa was treated for acute lung infection, fever, and dehydration. She had bilateral basal crackles in the lungs, sinus tachycardia, and later developed severe bradycardia and hypotension. A temporary pacemaker was inserted, and she underwent a tracheostomy on October 7, 201614.
- She experienced pulmonary edema, had high white blood cell counts (leukocytosis), and a chest X-ray showed bilateral infiltrates in the lung fields. She also had a recent urine culture that grew E. coli4.
Critical Condition and Final Diagnosis
- Her condition worsened, leading to intubation on September 28. She suffered a cardiac arrest on December 4, 2016, and was put on ECMO support for 24 hours. She was declared dead on December 5, 2016, due to no brain and heart activity135.
- The final diagnosis made by the AIIMS medical panel included bacteremia, septic shock with a respiratory infection, and evidence of heart failure. Her uncontrolled diabetes at admission was also a significant factor15.
Overall, Jayalalithaa's health was compromised by a combination of chronic conditions and acute infections, which ultimately led to her death. The AIIMS medical panel concluded that her treatment at Apollo Hospitals was in line with correct medical practice and found no errors in the care provided15.