The cytokine profile in the skin of HF demonstrated a predominant Th2-like response with up-regulated transcription of IL-4 (2.7-fold; P = 0.686), IL-5 (1.9-fold; P = 0.057), IL-13 (6.6-fold; P = 0.124) and IL-10 (4.4-fold; P = 0.057). Here, IL13 is linked to hydrops fetalis.