NRD to Predict COPD Exacerbations at Home

"Neural respiratory drive (NRD) has been validated as an objective physiological biomarker in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Change in NRD during hospital admission has been demonstrated to be a marker of physician-defined clinical deterioration. NRD is a non-invasive measurement that involves skin preparation with a gel and alcohol wipe before placing 3 surface electrodes on the chest wall and collar bone to perform electromyography (EMG) of parasternal muscles. Electrodes are connected to an automated EMG analysis system to derive a measurement of NRD. Measurements take approximately 10 minutes with subject being monitored during normal (tidal) breathing and performing maximal sniff manoeuvres."