Objective To investigate which is more effective between continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and intermittent hemodialysis(IHD) in patients with severe acute renal failure. Method Fifty-two severe ARF patients who accepted renal replacement therapy between December 2001 and December 2002 were studied. Of them, 28 were treated with CRRT and 24 with IHD. Results The frequency of low blood pressure, arrhythmia in the CRRT group were much lower than that in the IHD group (1.93±0.35 vs 3.88±1.23, P<0.05 and 1.39±2.37 vs 3.75±3.39, P<0.01). Renal function recovery time was shorter in the CRRT group than that in the IHD group(15.44 ± 5.29 days vs 22.93 ± 8.44 days, P<0.05). APACHE-Ⅱ scores of both groups after treatment are(14.20±5.56 and 17.30±4.37 respectively, P<0.05). Conclusion CRRT may be the best choice for treating severe ARF patients. It can offer more stable dynamic and better prognosis.