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In 2021, we celebrated the first official International TAPS Day.
In 2025, we’re focussing on education – both for professionals and parents around a TAPS diagnosis, from before birth, to NICU, and beyond. We want to bring awareness to the fact TAPS is a lifelong diagnosis, and the evolution of research over the past 18 years.
International TAPS Day 2025 – #NotJustTTTS
March 3 is International TAPS Day, dedicated to raising awareness of Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS). Often mistakenly called a form of Twin-Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), TAPS is a separate condition with distinct diagnostic criteria, progression, and outcomes. Recognizing these differences is critical to improving detection, treatment, and long-term care.
This year’s theme, #NotJustTTTS, highlights what sets TAPS apart. Throughout the day, we will share essential information on screening, diagnosis, and management. Experts, researchers, and families will offer insights into the latest research, real-world experiences, and the challenges in accessing appropriate care.
International TAPS Day is part of a broader awareness campaign running from March 2 to March 8, examining how TAPS affects twins at different stages. The week will cover before birth, after birth, in the NICU, and long-term outcomes, as well as the impact of twin loss due to TAPS.
More details will be shared in the coming weeks, including research highlights, expert discussions, and personal stories.
About International TAPS Day
We recognize March 3rd as International TAPS Day because this was the day that our disease got a name, back in 2006. Within days of each other, 2 papers were published – on March 1, Robyrr et al published this paper describing a unique complication of TTTS laser surgery, where tiny connections were missed or not sealed completely.
Then on March 3rd, a second paper, describing spontaneous TAPS was published by Lopriore et al. This paper described tiny connections in the placenta that caused polycythemia and anemia in twins sharing a placenta. From this paper, Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence got its name.
March 3rd Is International TAPS Day.
In 2021, we celebrated the first official International Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) Day, and it was recognized across the globe. The theme was “15 Years of TAPS Research.“
“TAPS research has evolved so much in the past 15 years. We now know how and when to screen with MCA dopplers. We also know more about the other signs and that it is vital to look for those. It’s also essential that we recognize the short and long-term effects of post-laser TAPS and spontaneous TAPS. Research is evolving continuously, and we need to raise the awareness of staying up to date with the latest findings. Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence Day is about recognizing the evolution of TAPS research and raising awareness. ”
Dr. Enrico Lopriore
Patron of the TAPS Support Foundation
