Kymberly D. Watt, M.D.

Kymberly D. Watt, M.D., studies long-term outcomes after liver transplantation, with a particular focus on obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and malignancies that occur after a liver transplant. Dr. Watt also studies recurrent disease, including fatty liver disease and hepatitis C after liver transplantation.

The primary goal of this research is to improve long-term survival in liver transplant recipients by understanding the effects of liver transplantation on these medical issues and minimizing the risk factors associated with these diseases.

Dr. Watt studies hormonal and inflammatory markers associated with metabolic syndrome and physiologic changes (cardiovascular function) associated with end-stage liver disease and the effect on and of liver transplantation in these patients. These studies will identify new targets for therapy to prevent disease or treat these patients.

In addition, she is studying the timing and role of bariatric surgery in liver transplant recipients in an effort to reduce the effects of metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and recurrent fatty liver disease in these patients.

Focus areas

• Why are liver transplant recipients at higher risk than the general population for metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease?
• What correctable factors contribute to this increased risk?
• How can we lower this risk and reduce the prevalence of obesity, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease in liver transplant recipients?

Significance to patient care

Dr. Watt's research will help to improve long-term quality of life and survival in patients receiving a liver transplant.