Objective It was aimed to evaluate long‐term radiological changes in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients, to investigate pulmonary function, exercise capacities, and health‐related quality of life results. Methods Sixty‐five patients with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were evaluated in the sixth month after discharge from the hospital. Spirometry, 6 min walking test (6MWT), and short form of health‐related quality of life scale (SF‐36) were applied in the sixth month. Chest computed tomography (CT) was performed and the findings were grouped according to lung involvement. Results Forty‐nine male and 16 female patients were included in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)% values of 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC)% values of 27 patients (45.8%), and 6MWT of 13 patients (23.2%) were found lower than expected in the sixth month. On the SF‐36 scale, physical function, energy‐vitality, social functionality, pain, and general health parameters were found lower than normal. Minimal interstitial changes in chest CT were seen in 26 patients. Nine patients had lung area involvement between 10% and 50% of the surface, there was a correlation between FEV1% and FVC% values in this group. There was severe pulmonary fibrosis in four patients. There was a correlation between pulmonary function and physical function and general perception of health from SF‐36 scale subparameters. Conclusion Functional and radiological abnormalities were detected in a significant number of patients in the sixth month after severe COVID‐19 pneumonia. A systematic monitoring plan must be established to assess and properly manage the long‐term problems that may arise.

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Findings from clinical studies in postmenopausal women with late initiation of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that test whether HRT protects cognitive functions in women are inconsistent. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HRT on brain metabolite ratios when initiated in the early postmenopausal period (critical window). Materials and methods:Proton magnetic resonance spectrometry (1H MRS) was performed in 4 brain regions of 47 healthy postmenopausal women (21 received HRT, 26 did not). The subjects were aged between 45 and 65 years. The duration of HRT ranged from 1 to 12 years (mean: 6.3 years). The duration of menopause was 2-12 years (mean: 6.1 years) for HRT users and 1-20 years (mean: 7.8 years) for non-HRT users. Metabolite ratios [N-acetyl aspartate/choline (NAA/Cho), NAA/creatine (Cr), and Cho/Cr] were evaluated.Results: Cho/Cr ratios were significantly increased and NAA/Cho ratios significantly decreased in all 4 regions in the HRT user group compared to the other group after elimination of the effects of age and menopause duration. Regression analysis revealed an association only between NAA/Cho and duration of menopause. Conclusion:HRT-related changes in metabolite ratios are found in all brain regions. Decreased NAA/Cho and increased Cho/Cr levels do not support the neuroprotective role of HRT in the critical window.

Bartter Syndrome is a disease (sporadic or familial) characterized by hypochloremia, hypokalemia, hyponatremia, metabolic alkalosis, hyperaldosteronism, hyperreninemia and normal blood pressure. Pseudo-Bartter syndrome is characterized by hypochloremia associated with metabolic alkalosis and hypokalemia without any pathology in the tubular transport mechanism. Bartter syndrome and pseudo bartter syndrome have similar biochemical profile. Pseudo-Bartter syndrome is different from Bartter syndrome as extrarenal electrolyte loss occurs. Pseudo-Bartter syndrome may develop as a result of cystic fibrosis, inappropriate diuretic use, chlorine-poor diet, bulimia, cyclic vomiting, and laxative abuse. In the treatment of pseudo-bartter syndrome, the treatment of the underlying disease and the provision of fluid and electrolyte balance. Familial Mediterranean fever is characterized by non-infectious recurrent episodes of fever and serositis and is an autosomal recessive genetic disease that can develop amyloidosis over time. In this paper, we made the diagnosis of Familial Mediterranean fever in an 18-year-old male patient who presented with pseudo-Bartter syndrome. The association of pseudo-Bartter syndrome and Familial Mediterranean fever has not been previously described in the literature.

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