Abstract: Objective： To summarize the first onset symptoms，causes of death and prognostic factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus(SLE). Methods： Clinical manifestations，laboratory examination and medication of 200 inpatients in rheumatology department of our hospital from January 1st，2001 to December 31st， 2009 were collected and followed up to June 30th， 2017. Statistical methods included descriptive analysis， one-way ANOVA，survival analysis，Cox’s proportional hazards regression model. Results：The most common onset symptoms were malar rash and arthritis. The survival rates of 1，3，5 and 10 years were 99.0%，96.4%， 95.4%，89.3%，respectively. 31 cases died. The main causes of death were infection， cardiopulmonary involvement and renal failure. The risk of death was higher in patients with cardiopulmonary involvement and those whose disease course more than 2 years，while mortality was lower in patients treated with antimalarial drugs. Duration of disease more than 2 years and anti-dsDNA antibody positive were independent risk factors for poor prognosis of SLE. Conclusion： The prognosis of SLE patients with longer disease course，cardiopulmonary involvement，and anti dsDNA antibody positive is poor. Antimalarial drugs have protective effects on SLE patients.