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. ”
Prof. Enrico Lopriore
Head of Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands
About the logo
The original International TAPS Day logo was designed by the amazing Dr. Lisanne Tollenaar in 2021. Over the years, we have adopted various patterns, but this is the design that we keep coming back to.
We use the color #d60b52 (Razzmatazz) for International TAPS Day because it reflects a real part of the Twin Anemia Polycythemia Sequence (TAPS) story. This bold pink red shade represents the visible color difference that can appear between TAPS twins, where one baby may look much paler and the other much darker. It is a clear, honest visual reminder that TAPS is about imbalance between the twins, and that both babies are affected in different ways.
We also choose this strong raspberry pink because International TAPS Day does not belong to a single organization or logo. Many medical and patient groups already use standard reds in their branding. By using a distinctive shade, we keep the focus on the condition, the twins, and the families who live with TAPS, alongside the clinicians and researchers working with them. This color is a shared symbol that everyone in the TAPS community can use.
