Objective To explore the characteristics and prognostic factors associated with the death of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with sepsis in intensive care unit (ICU).Methods Clinical and laboratory documents of SLE patients with sepsis from Jan 2010 to Dec 2014 were retrospectively analyzed, including active organ involvement,systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index(SLEDAI)score, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE)Ⅱscore,sites of infection and organisms cultured. Prognostic factors were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results Included patients were mainly females (86%,43/50).For all patients, SLEDAI was 15.8±6.3; APACHEⅡ was 25.8±6.5; the mortality rate during ICU hospitalization was 46%. The most common causes of death and admission were multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and respiratory failure,respectively. The most common pathogen was Gram-negative bacteria.Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that gastrointestinal bleeding,septic shock and high APACHEⅡscore were independent risks for mortality.Conclusion Gastrointestinal bleeding,septic shock and high APACHEⅡscore were risk factors in SLE patients with sepsis in ICU.