SUMMARY
The research of Larry M. Baddour, M.D., focuses on cardiovascular infections, predominantly infective endocarditis and cardiovascular implantable electronic device infections. This research includes investigations involving the populations that are part of the Rochester Epidemiology Project and the Expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project, as well as national registries in the U.S. and abroad.
Dr. Baddour takes part in observational and case-control studies. He has developed 11 scientific statements for the American Heart Association, five of which he was the first author. These research-based statements are important in defining research perspectives. And they are educational tools for clinicians and research colleagues.
In 2023, Dr. Baddour secured 24 peer-reviewed publications and updated three textbook chapters.
Focus areas
- Analyses of population-based investigations. Dr. Baddour uses the population of Olmsted County, Minnesota, and more recently other counties in southeast Minnesota and southwest Wisconsin, to define trends in infective endocarditis incidence. His work includes the microbiology of these infections, as well as patient clinical profiles and outcomes.
- Evaluation of antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent infective endocarditis. Dr. Baddour's work involves large patient databases for the U.S. and England. These databases explore the risk of patients undergoing invasive dental procedures that lead to infective endocarditis and being at high risk for infective endocarditis or its complications.
- Determining the risk of device infections among patients with underlying cardiovascular implantable electronic devices and bloodstream infections. This project involves multiple investigations of common microbial causes of bloodstream infection among patients with these devices. Results indicate that the risk of device infection depends on the pathogen. This has implications for patient care regarding whether to extract a device.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Baddour's research focuses on issues that directly affect patient care. He develops guidelines and opinions that healthcare professionals use in individual patient care around the world.
For most people, infective endocarditis is an unknown term. This heart valve infection carries a high risk of severe illness and death. Certain people are at higher risk of developing it. Dr. Baddour's work focuses on defining the risk of infection and how to prevent it.