Chennai: DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's health is now a cause of concern for doctors treating him. 

Karunanidhi is admitted in Chennai's Kauvery hospital for more than a week. His condition was said to be stable till Sunday but on Monday, his health has taken a turn for the worse.

The hospital said that maintaining his vital organs is now a challenge in view of his age-related ailments. "He is on continuous monitoring and being treated with active medical support. His response to the medical intervention over the next 24 hours will determine the prognosis," a statement from the hospital said.

Hospital and DMK sources said Karunanidhi contracted jaundice and is facing difficulty breathing, which is leading to a "fluctuation in his condition".

The 94-year-old was admitted in hospital on July 28 after he contracted urinary tract infection. After a health scare days later, the doctors had advised to stay longer, citing "age related overall decline in his general health, altered liver function and haematological parameters".

Since then, President Ramnath Kovind, Vice President Venkiah Naidu and a number of political leaders across party lines - including Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, actor-politicians Kamal Haasan - have visited him in the hospital. Earlier today, Karunanidhi's wife Dayalu Ammal visited him for the first time since he was hospitalised.

Karunanidhi was recovering from illness when he contracted the infection last month. He had to be admitted in hospital when his fever spiked.