Vital research has the power to change lives

WHEN James Mason was diagnosed with an “ultra-rare” kidney disease aged just 40, he was told the worst case scenario was kidney failure within a decade.

- SAM VOLPE Health reporter

He was also told there was nothing that could be done.

Now though, new research led by a Newcastle expert has found a potential treatment that could change the 51-year-old’s life.

James, who is from the southwest of England, has been part of a leading clinical trial, and said the impact had been incredible.

James has a complex disease called Complement 3 glomerulopathy (C3G) which happens when part of the immune system does not work correctly. This involves an immune “overreaction” that damages the body’s own kidneys.

James said: “It took a long time to diagnose as it is a rare disease, but to be told after diagnosis that the worstcase scenario was kidney failure in around 10 years - and there was nothing that could be done about it - was a real shock.”

James’ situation led to very high levels of protein in his urine, which alarmed those treating him and meant he often required short-notice treatment in hospital.

Going through extensive medication trials had a huge impact on his day-to-day life.

He added: “The knock-on effects of these drugs were awful.

“I work on building sites, and it was awkward having to go to the toilet every 15 minutes.

“I was also put on statins for cholesterol and developed gout.