Objective: To probe into the value of early application of belimumab ( BLM) in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in children. Methods: A total of 23 children diagnosed with SLE admitted into the renal rheumatology department in our hospital from 2020 to 2021 were divided into three groups: control group (7 cases without BLM at initial diagnosis)

initial onset group (7 cases with BLM at initial diagnosis)

and recurrence group ( 9 cases with BLM only at recurrence). Changes of related inflammatory indicators

systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index (SLEDAI) score and hormone dosage before and after BLM treatment in three groups were analyzed. Clinical efficacy of three groups were compared. Results: Hormone dosage

SLEDAI score and erythrocyte sedimentation rate decreased after BLM treatment in children with SLE (P<0. 01)

and clinical remission time

hormone dosage and SLEDAI score in the initial onset group were lower than those in the control group ( P< 0. 05). The duration of clinical remission in relapse group was longer than that in initial onset group ( P < 0. 05). The duration of clinical remission was positively correlated with the course of disease (r = 0. 606

P<0. 05). Conclusion: BLM is safe and effective in the treatment of SLE in children

which can reduce hormone dosage and disease activity

and early application is more likely to achieve disease remission.