Lysosomal acid lipase deficiency (LALD) is a chronic, progressive, inherited disease. Children and adults with LALD do not have a fully functioning enzyme that is needed for the breakdown of certain lipids (fats). As a result of this deficiency, these lipids accumulate in organs (including the liver and spleen) and cells throughout the body causing them to not work properly. This can lead to fatty liver disease, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and liver failure.