Objective To analyze the outcomes and prognostic factors associated with the death of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Methods During June 1996 to June 2007, all SLE patients admitted to the ICU were included. Patients were excluded if the diagnosis of SLE was established at or after ICU admission. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied using variables that were associated with death in the univariate analysis. Results A total of 101 patients meeting the criteria were included. The mortality rate was 48.6%. The most common causes of admission was lung disorder with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that SLICC/ACR DI>7.7 (OR=6.87), APACHE Ⅲ≥21 (OR=29.8), lung disorders with ARDS (OR =55.81 ), septic shock (OR =32.22 ), intracranial haemorrhage (OR =57.35 ), hypocytopenia (OR = 5.89), mean equivalent prednisone dose>25 mg/d (OR=7.65) and prolonged tracheal intubation (OR=5.98) were signi-ficantly associated with death. Whereas sex, age, SLEDAI >27, gastrointestinal bleeding, the cumulative dosage of CTX higher than 1.0 g, pulse intravenous methylprednisolone therapy were not associated with death. Conclusion The mortality rate of critically ill SLE patients in ICU is very high. SLICC/ACR DI> 7.7, APACHE Ⅲ≥21, lung disorders with ARDS, septic shock, intracraniai haemorrhage, average prednisone equivalent dosage higher than 25mg/d and prolonged tracheal intubation (longer than 4 days) are negative prognostic factors in SLE patients admitted to the ICU.