Telbivudine Versus Lamivudine in Adults With Decompensated Chronic Hepatitis B and Evidence of Cirrhosis

Inclusion Criteria: * Documented decompensated chronic hepatitis B defined by all of the following: 1. Clinical history compatible with decompensated chronic hepatitis B related cirrhosis; 2. Child-Turcotte-Pugh score \> 7 points. * Evidence of hepatic cirrhosis or portal hypertension. Other protocol-defined inclusion criteria may apply. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. * Patient is coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), or Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). * Patient previously received lamivudine, adefovir, or an investigational anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleoside or nucleotide analog at any time * Patient has received interferon or other immunomodulatory treatment for HBV infection in the 12 months before Screening for this study. Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.