The study was conducted in 35 cases of acute tubular necrosis of varied aetiology. Cases were divided in 2 groups, Group A--17 cases treated conservatively and Group B--18 cases managed by early haemodialysis. Criteria for early haemodialysis were blood urea < 120 mg% and serum creatinine < 7 mg%. Before starting therapy both the groups had comparable biochemical and renal parameters (p > 0.05). Overall mortality was lower in Group B as compared to Group A (22.2% Vs 29.4). Complication events such as uraemic encephalopathy, pulmonary oedema, haematemesis and malena, thrombophlebitis and vomiting were significantly lower in Group B (p < 0.05). Hospital stay was also significantly lower (p < 0.05) in Group B (18 +/- 2.5 days Vs 28 +/- 3 days), this can reduce the cost of treatment also.