This article summarizes the evidence for the improved prognosis in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It discusses the reasons for improved survival, as well as the risk for mortality, which still remains high for patients with this disease. Causes of death are reviewed, and prognostic factors examined. Other outcome measures for prognosis in SLE, including specific organ damage, accumulated damage index, and health status and quality of life are considered. Recent articles on therapy for SLE are discussed.