The patients were randomized into 2 groups: Group 1: Treatment with lamivudine 100 mg daily for 3 months, Group 2: Placebo. Randomization was done using random number table. The initial study and randomization was planned to enroll 120 patients or continue the study till three years, whichever was earlier. Individual rather than block randomization was done The investigators as well as the patients were blinded to the randomisation. The patients in the placebo group received a placebo pill.