A noninvasive test of respiratory work in COPD exacerbations that might be helpful

Murphy et al report a pilot study in which they used parasternal electromyography (noninvasive electrode over the 2nd intercostal space) to measure respiratory work in 30 subjects admitted for acute exacerbations of COPD. The so-called neural respiratory drive index predicted clinical recovery and identified patients destined to be readmitted within 14 days. Thorax 2011;66:602-608.