Final answer:
The sign of poor prognosis following the treatment of acute pancreatitis is Pancreatic pseudocyst formation. Pseudocysts signify a complication and potential for further issues, contrasting with other options that may indicate recovery.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sign of poor prognosis following treatment of acute pancreatitis is D) Pancreatic pseudocyst formation. Pancreatitis, which is inflammation of the pancreas, can lead to various complications including the development of pseudocysts. These are fluid-filled sacs within or adjacent to the pancreas. Unlike options B) and C), where the resolution of abdominal pain and decreased serum amylase levels might indicate improvement, pancreatic pseudocyst formation indicates a more complex clinical scenario and can lead to further complications. Elevated lipase levels (option A) are typically found during an acute pancreatitis attack but are not by themselves a sign of poor prognosis following treatment.
Diagnosis of pancreatitis involves blood tests measuring liver function and pancreatic enzymes such as amylase and lipase, complete blood count (CBC), and imaging techniques like abdominal ultrasound. The ultrasound may identify gallstones, which could obstruct pancreatic fluid outflow and lead to inflammation, as well as detect complications like pseudocysts.