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The condition of world renowned Egyptian writer and Nobel literature prize laureate Nagib Mahfuz remained critical Friday despite a slight improvement overnight, his chief doctor told AFP.
"We succeeded in staunching his internal breeding during the night and he is now breathing independently," Dr Hossam Mowafi said.
"His condition has improved but remains critical."
Mahfuz, 94, has been treated since July 16 for kidney problems, pneumonia and other ailments relating to his age.
On August 14 Mahfuz, who is diabetic, was moved to an intensive care unit with doctors describing his condition as "critical but stable".
The medical team treating him at Cairo's Police Hospital have said that their work has been hampered by the fact that they cannot operate on Mahfuz because of his age.
Born in Cairo in December 1911, Mahfuz is Egypt's most celebrated intellectual with about 40 novels to his name.
In 1988, he became the first Arab writer to be awarded the Nobel prize for literature, notably for the universal character of his art, which was considered a metaphor for relations between people in communities worldwide.
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AFP 251341 GMT 08 06
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