Abstract: Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of prednisone in combination with small dose of harringtonine（Har） on systemic lupus erythematosus（SLE）. Methods 36 SLE patients were treated with prednisone（0.8-1mg/kg·d） for 6-8 weeks,followed by 5mg a week.The maintenance dose of prednisone was 10-20mg/d.Then,the patients were treated with intravenous drip of Har in 500ml saline at 2-3 weeks interval,5-7 days a course for 3-6 courses.Blood routine examination,24h urine protein,blood creatinine,albumin,immunoglobulin,C3,C4,and anti-ANA,anti-ds-DNA and anti-SM antibodies were regularly detected and compared before and after treatment. Results The SLEDAI score was decreased to 5.16 from 14.36.The 24h urine protein and ESR levels were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment（P＜0.05）.The seroconversion rate of anti-dsDNA,anti-SM and anti-ANA was 87.5%,88.8% and 83.3%,respectively after treatment. Conclusion Prednisone in combination with Har is rather effective for SLE with few side effects and low cost and can thus be used in clinical practice.