Scientia Medica (Sci Med.) is the official, peer-reviewed scientific journal of the School of Medicine, São Lucas Hospital, and the Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology of the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). This multidisciplinary journal aims to contribute to the dissemination of scientific knowledge in the various sub-areas of Medicine and other Health Sciences, as it publishes original articles, article reviews, case reports and editorials. Scientia Medica is a quarterly, printed (ISSN 1806-5562) and electronic (ISSN 1980-6108) publication and its full content is open to everyone. It is currently indexed in the LILACS, SCOPUS, LATINDEX, EMBASE, DOAJ and OJS-PKP databases. Articles must be submitted solely online and are at no charge to authors. Articles in Portuguese, Spanish and English are accepted.