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Samaranch holds on but in "very serious condition"

2010-04-21 16:58 BJT

MADRID, April 21 (Xinhua) -- Former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Juan Antonio Samaranch was holding on but in a "very serious condition" in an intensive care unit at a hospital in Barcelona on Wednesday.

Quiron Hospital spokesman Carlos Segui said the the 89-year-old Spaniard showed no signs of improvement or deterioration overnight.

Samaranch, who was IOC president between 1980-2001, was taken to hospital on Sunday evening after experiencing heart trouble.

Though the former IOC chief has survived the first 48 hours, Hospital chief of internal medicine Rafael Esteban was not optimistic about his chances of recovery.

"We cannot be optimistic, because at his age and with the chronic problems he has, one cannot be optimistic," Esteban said.

With serious coronary insufficiency and currently breathing with assistance, Samaranch was to undergo further tests on Wednesday.

The hospital will release another statement on Samaranch's health at 13:00 hours on Wednesday.

Editor: Zhang Pengfei | Source: Xinhua